AN 



ABRIDGMENT 



OF THE 



HISTORY OF NE W.ENGLAND, 

FOR THE USE OF YOUNG PERSONS. 

KOW INTRODUCED INTO THE PRINCIPAL SCHOOLS 
IN THIS TOWN. 

By HANNAH ADAMS. 

SECOND EDITION. 

Copy Right Secured. 



BOSTON : 

PUBLISHED BY ETHERIDGE & BLISS, 
No. 12, Cornhill. 

SOLD ALSO B\' S. ETHEPIDGE, CHARLESfOWN. 
1807. 



Belcher ^ Armstrong^ Printr'' 



,f\. 2- 



7fU 



DISTRICT or MASSACHUSETTS, TO WIT : 

BE it remembered, that on the 12th day of February, in th© 
thirty -first year of the Independence of the United States of 
America, Hannah Adams, of the said district, has deposited 
in this office the title of a book, the right whereof she claims 
as author, in tlie words following-, to wit : ** An Abridgment 
of the History of New-England, for the use of young persons. 
Now introduced into the principal schools in this town. By 
Hannah Adams. Second edition." 

In conformity to the act of the Congress of the United 
States, intitled, ** An act for the encouragement of learning, 
by securing the copies of maps, cha.rts and books to the authors 
and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein men- 
tioned ;" and also to an act intitled, *' An act supplementary to 
an act, intitled. An act for the encouragement of learning, by 
securing the copies of Map«, Charts and Books, to the authors 
and proprietors of such copies during the times therein men- 
tioned ; and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of de- 
signing, engraving, and etching, historical and other prints." 

William S. Shaw, Clerk of the District 
(^ Massachusetts. 




I 



PREFACE. 

THE candid reception xvhich the public have 
given to the Abridgment of the History of 
j\ew- England^ has induced the compiler to print 
another edition^ with sojne ^additions, n'hich she 
hopes will be received rvith equal candor. The 
narrow limits of the work would not permit a 
particular delineation of the characters of our 
excellent ancestors ; enough, however, she trusts 
is said to impress the minds of young persons 
with veneration for those eminent men, to whom 
their posterity are so highly indebted, , 

In order to understand, more clearly, some 
parts of this little work, it is necessary for young 
readers to obtain a general knowledge of the 
History of England, during the period which k 
comprises. When they wish for further infor- 
mation respecting the history of their own coun- 
try, they are referred to those large and valuable 
works from which the abridgment is collected. 
For the corrections in the chronology, atid some 
of the additions, the editor is indebted to Dr, 
Holmes'' American Annals, wliich elegant work 
is eminently useful to the public in promoting a 
correct knowledge of the history of the American 
colonics. 

The Questions to each chapter, are inserted in 
the Appendix, in order to render the abridgment 
more useful for schools. Yoimg people may find 
answers in the sections referred to ; and in this 
way, imprint upon their memories the leading 
events in the history of their own country. 

The compiler desires to make her public ac- 
knowledge ments to those respectable literary^ 



IV. 



gentlemen who have patronized her work ; she is 
se7isible that actuated by the tnost disifiterested 
motives, they have exerted themselves to promote 
her usefulness and welfare ; and regrets that 
a feeble state of healtli may prevent her 
evincing^ by future exertion, her ambition to 
merit their good opinion ; but she will ever 
cherish the most lively gratitude , and take plea- 
sure in the idea that their benevolence will be re- 
warded by the great Author of every blemng. 



C O N T E N T S. 



CHAPTER I. 
DISCOVERY of America by Columbus. Of the perseca*- 
tion in England ; and settlement of Plymouth. 

CHAPTER IL 

Of the settlement of Massachusetts ; rapid increase of the 
colony J government, relig-ion and character of the settlers. 

CHAPTER III. 
Of the settlement of New-Hampshire, the Province, of Mahj,. 
Connecticut and New-Haven. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Of the settlement of Providence, Rhode-Island, an-1 some: 
other places. The inhabitants of Narrag-anset Bay obtain a 
patent. 

CHAPTER V. 

War v.'ith the Peqviod Indians. Carabridgp Colleg-e founded. 
New-Hampshire submits to Massachusetts in 1641 ; and the, 
Province of Maine in 1652. Other particulars respecting tha 
colonies. 

CHAPTER VI. 

State of the Indians, when New-England was first settled. 
Of their conversion to Christianity. 

CHAPTER VII. 

The New-England churfckes establish a platform of govern- 
ment. The colonists form their codes of litw. Persecution of 
the Baptists and Quaiiera. 

CHAPTER VI I r. 

Third Synod in New-England. Of the charters granted to 
Connecticut and Rhode-Islnnd. Charles II. sends^ Commission^- 
ers to the colonies. 

CHAPTER IX. 
Of the war with Pliilip ; and the Eastern Indians. Peac« 
Katified. Synod in Massachusetts. 

CHAPTER X. 

' Of the separation of New-Hampshire from Massachusetts. 
Arbitrary proceedings of the English goyeriynent. Of the.new 
•harter granted to Massachusetts. 



VI. 

CHAPTER XL 

War with the Eastern Indians. Of the suppo.sed witchcrafts 
in New-England. 

CHAPTER XII. 
War with the French and Indians. Yale College founded. 
Port Royal surrendered. Unsuccessful attempt against Canjtda. 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Of the altercations of the colony of Massachusetts with their 
governours. Innoculation for the Small-pox introduced. War 
with the Indians. First settlement made in Vermont. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

New-Hampshire is separated from the jurisdiction of Massa- 
chusetts. Reduction of Louisburg. Dispersion of the French 
seet. 

CHAPTER XV. 

War between the French nation and British colonies. The 
Province of Canada reduced. General Peace. Prosperous 
state of Great-Britain at this period. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Providence College founded. Of the Stamp Act, aYid the 
succeeding altercations between Great-Britain and her colonies. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Commencement of hostilities at Lexington. Battle at Bun- 
ker Hill, and other military transactions of the colonies. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Boston evacuated. Declaration'^f Independence. Battle at 
Long-Island. Captain Hale executed by the British. Military 
transactions. Surrender of Burgoyne's army at Saratoga. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Treaty between France and America. British sent Commis- 
sioners. Their terms rejected. Military operations from 1773 

to irsi. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Military movements of Lord Cornwallls. He surrenders 
his army. Peace concluded. Difficulties after the Peace. Es- 
tablishment of the Federal Constitution. 



HISTORY 

OF 

NEW-ENGLAND. 

CHAPTER L 

1608— 162C. 

Discover 1/ of America by Colunibus. Divisions 
in England after the Reformation. Persecu- 
tions under the Reigns of Elizabeth andJam^s. 
Mr. Robinson and his Congregation remove to 
Holland, Part of his Congregation embark 
for America, Their Settlement at Plymouth, 
and the Hardships they endured. They are 
joined by a small Party, Treaty of Alliance 
with the Indian Princes. Death and Charac- 
ter of Mr. Robijison. A Number of the Ley- 
den Congregation arrive at Plymouth. The 
Colonists obtain a Patent. Religion ^ Govern- 
msnt^ and Character of the Settlers. 

1. X HE discovery of America is one of 

:'the most celebrated achievements in the annals of 

^history. , Cliristopher Columbus, the discover- 

er, was a native of the republic of Genoa. He 

was born in 1447, and, at the age of fourteen, 

•entered upon a sea-faring life, in which profes- 

sion he was eminently distinguished. After a 

long and fruitless application to several courts of 

Europe, his plan of exploring new regions ob< 



6 History of Nexv -England. 

tained the approbation of Isabella, queen of Cas- 
tile. Through her patronage he set sail, in the 
year 1492, with three small vessels, whieh con- 
tained one hundred and twenty seamen. 

2. The formidable difficulties which attended 
his voyage to regions hitherto unexplored, were 
at leno'th surmounted bv his astonishing' forti- 
tude and perseverance. After discovering sev- 
eral of the West India Islands he built a fort, 
and left a garrison of thirty-five men in Hispani- 
ola to maintain the Spanish pretensions in that 
country. He set out on his return to Spain in 
1493, and arrived in March, with the joyful 
intelligence of a new world, excelling the 
kingdoms of Europe in gold and silver, and 
blest with a luxuriant soil. 

3. The voyages of Columbus paved the way 
for other European adventurers, who were stim- 
ulated by ambition and avarice to make farther 
discoveries ; until, finally the rich empires of 
Mexico and Peru were subdued by lawless in- 
vaders. The feeling heart bleeds in reviewing 
the histor}' of South America, and is filled with 
horrour at the successful \'illany of its intrepid 
conquerors !^ 

4. The history of North America exhibits a 
very different scene. The desire of enjoying 
religious liberty w^as the grand object, which in- 
duced many of the first settlers of that country 
to encounter a variety of hardships in the wilder- 
ness of the new world. The settlements of 
New- England, which are the particular objects 
of the ensuing history, owe their rise to the re- 

* Soe Robc^son's History of South America. 



History of Xexv- England, 7 

ligious disputes which attended the reformation 
in England. 

5. When king Henry 8th renounced the pa- 
pal supremacy, he set up himself as the supreme 
head of the English church, and commanded 
his subjects to pay allegiance to hmi m that ca- 
pacity. His claim was maintained by his son 
and successor Edward 6th, in whose reigii the 
reformation from popery made great progress, 
and a service book was published by royal au- 
thority, as tlie standard of worship and disci- 
pline. He was succeeded by his sister Mary, 
a bigoted papist, who raised such a violent per- 
secution against the protestants that many fied 
into Germany and the Netherlands, where they 
departed from the uniformity estahlkhed in En- 
gland, and became divided intfiOT" sentiments 
and practice respecting religious v;orship. 

6. At the accession of Elizabeth, they return- 
ed to their native country with sanguine hopes 
of reforming the church of England, according 
to the respective opinions they had entertained 
in their exile. But they found that the queen 
was fond of the establishment made in the reign 
of her brother Edward, and strongly prejudiced 
in favour of pomp and ceremony in religion. — 
She asserted her supremacy in the most absolute 
terms, and erected a high commission court 
with extensive jurisdiction in ecclesiastical af- 
fairs. 

7. During her reign, those who refused to 
conform to the church of England were severely 
persecuted. Some were cast into prison, where 
:i number perished, and a few were put to death- 



8 History of New-England. 

In consequence of these rigorous proceedings^ 
a separation from the established church took 
place. Those who were desirous of a further 
separation from the Romish superstitions, and of 
a more pure and perfect form of religion, were 
denominated puritans. ^'- 

8. The persecution of the puritans was con- 
tinued with great severity during the reign of 
James 1st, which induced Mr. Robinson, a dis- 
senting clergyman in England, with a part of 
his congregation, to remove to Amsterdam in 
Holland, A. D. 1608, and the next year they 
settled at Ley den, where they enjoyed the free 
exercise oftheir religious opinions. 

9. After twelve }Tars residence in Holland 
they meditated a removal to America. The 
principal motives which induced them to form 
this design were as follow. '' The unhealthi- 
.ness of the low country where they resided ; 
the hard labours to which they were subjected ; 
the dissipated manners of the Hollanders, par- 
ticularly their lax observance of the Lord's day; 
the apprehension of war at the conclusion of the 
truce between Spain and Holland which was 
then near its close." They wished to avoid the 
inconvenience of incorporating with the Dutch ; 
they were animated with the hope of propagating 
the gospel in the remote parts of the world ; and 
forming a church free from the admixture of 
human additions, and a system of civil policy 
unfettered v> ith the arbitrary institutions of the 
old world. t 

* NeaVs Hist, of the Puritans. Belknap's Hist, of Ne'v. 
HaiDpshire. f Prince's Chronology, vol, i. page 82 



History of A'exv-Enghmd. 9 

10. As^ America appeared a proper place for 
the execution of their designs, after serious and 
repeated addresses to heaven for direction, they 
resolved to cross the Atlantic ; and made it the 
first object of their solicitude to secure the free 
exercise of their religion. 

11. Upon their applying to king James 1st, 1619 
he gave them private assurance that he ■should 

not molest them, if they behaved peaceably ; but 
he persisted in refusing to tolerate them by pub- 
lic authority. The hope however that the dis- 
tance of their situation would secure them from 
the jurisdiction of ecclesiastical courts induced 
them, to resolve upon pursuing their plan ; hence 
they solicited and obtained from the Virginian 
company the grant of a tract of land v/ithin the 
limits of their patent.. 

12. As it^vasnot convenient for all to remove 1620 
at first, the majority, with their pastor, conclud- 
ed to remain for the present in Ley den. Mr. 
William Brewster,* assistant to Mr. Robinson, 

was chosen to attend the first adventurers. Tv/o 
ships vrere prepared, one of which Vvas fitted out 
in Holland, and the other hired in London. 

* Mr. William Brewster v/as born in England, 1560. Wilii , 
the minority of the church in Leyden he came to New England, 
and suffered all the hardships attending their settlement in the 
wilderness. He partook with them of labour, hunger and 
watching ; his bible, and his arms were equallv familiar to him-; 
and he was always ready for any duty or suffering to which lie 
was exposed. 

Some time .after their arrival, while they were expecting Mr. 
Robinson, and the remainder of jiis church would follow thenn 
to Amei'ica, Mr. Brewster frequently officiated as a preacher ; 
but never could be persuaded to administer the sacraments, or 
take upon him the pa.storial office. In his public discourses he 
wasdear and distinguishing as well as pathetic. He died in 
the year 1644, ^%% Belknap's American Biosrraphy. 

B 2 



10 History of JVew-EnghmL 

13. When the time of separation drew nighy 
their pastor preached a farewell discourse, from 
Ezra viii. 21. A large concourse of friends 
from Leyden and Amsterdam accompanied the 
emigrants to the ship, which lay at Delft Haven. 
The night was spent in fervent and affectionate 
prayers, and in that pathetic intercourse of soul, 
which persons of sensibiUty can better conceive 
of than describe. The affecting scene drew 
tears even from the eyes of strangers. When 
the period in which the voyagers were about to 
depart arrived, they all with their beloved pas- 
tor fell on their knees, and with eyes, hands and 
hearts raised to heaven, fervently commended 
their adventuring brethren to the blessing of the 
Lord. Thus, after mutual embraces, accom- 
panied with many tears, they bade a long, and 
to many of them a final adieu. * 

14. On the 22d of July they sailed for 
Southampton, where they met the ship from 
London, and on the 5th of August both vessels 
proceeded to sea, but returned twice into port, 
on account of defects in the one from Delft, 
which was dismissed. 

15. An ardent desire of enjoying religious 
liberty finally overcame all difficulties. A com- 
pany of an hundred and one persons betook 
Ifhemselves to the London ship, and on the 6th 
of September sailed from Plymouth in England. 
Their destination was to Hudson's river ; but 
the Dutch, Avith a view of planting a colony in 
that place, bribed the pilot to conduct them so 

♦ Prmo€*s Ckronology, vol. i pag-e 66i 



History of Nexv-England, 1 1 

far to the north, that the first land in America 
which they made was Cape Cod.* 

16. As they \\ere not within the hmits of 
their patent from the South Virginia Company, f 
they saw the necessity of estabHshing a separate 
government for themselves. Accordingly, be- 
fore they landed y after offering their devout and 
ardent acknowledgm^ents to God for their safe 
ai'rival, they formed tliemselves into a body po- 
litic under the crown of England, for the pur- 
pose of establishing just and equal laws for the 
public good. On the 10th of November the 
adventurers subscribed a contract which they 
made the basis of their government ; and chose 
Mr. John Carver, a gentleman of piety and ap- 
proved abilities, to be their governour the first 
year, and the practice of an annual election con-^ 
tinued unchanged during the existence of their 
government, f 

17. The first object of the emigrants, after 
disembarkation, was to fix on a convenient place 
for settlement. In this attempt they were ob- 
liged to encounter numerous difficulties and 
suffer incredible hardships- These difficulties 
they at length surmounted ; and on the 3 1st of 
December they chose a place which they called 

* Morton*s New-England Memorial. 

f A patent or charter is a writing* conferring some privilege 
by government. In the year 1606^ King James I. by a patent 
divided that portion of America which stretches from the thirty- 
fourth to the forty-fifth degree of latitude, info two districts, 
nearly equal. The Southern, called the first colony, he granted 
to certain gentlemen, chiefly resident in London. The North- 
ern district he allotted to several knights, gentlemen and mer- 
chants of Bristol, Plymouth, and other parts of the west of 
England. See D. Holmes' American Annals, vol, i, p. 152.. 

% Mather's Magnalia, vol. i. page 6. 



12 History of New-England, 

New- Plymouth, in grateful remem])rance of the 
1620 town which they left in their native country. 

18. It was a fortunate event for the new co- 
lony, that two or three years previously to their 
arrival such a number of the natives had been 
destroyed and wasted by war and pestilence, 
that there was less to be apprehended from their 
hostility, than there \\'ould have been in their 
former flourishing state. 

19. The prospects and situation of the Plym- 
outh settlers were gloomy beyond expression. 
The company which landed consisted of 101 
persons. They were three thousand miles from 
their native country, with a dreary winter before 
them, in an uncultivated wilderness, inhabited 
only by savages. Their only civilized neigh- 
bouis were a French settlement at Port Royal, 
and an English settlement in Vii-ginia ; the near- 
est of which was five hundred miles distant, 
much too remote to aiford a hope of relief in a 
time of danger or famine.^ To obtain a supply 
of provisions by cultivating the stubborn soil, 
required an immensity of previous labour, ; and 
was at best a distant and uncertain dependance, 
K mortal s;ckness aug-mented their Ct\lamities> 
iorty-five of their number died before the open- 
ing of the next spring, of disorders occasioned 
by their tedious voyage with insuflieient accom- 
modations, and theii' uncommon exertions and 
fatigues.^ 

20. The new colony supported these com- 
plicated hardships with heroic fortitude. To 
enjoy full liberty to worship God, according to 

* Prince's Chrgnolo^y, ygl. i. page 98. 



History of JVexu- England. IS 

the dictates of their consciences, . was esteemed 
by them the greatest of blessings. The religious 
fervour, which induced them to abandon their 
native countr)^, fortified their minds and enabled 
them to surmount every difficulty, which could 
try their patience, or evince their firmness. 

21. As early as March, Massassoit, one of 1621. 
the most powerful sagamores^- of the neighbour- 
ing Indians, with sixty attendants, paid them a 

visit and entered into a treaty of peace and ami- 
ty. They reciprocally agreed to avoid injuries, 
to punish offenders, to restore stolen goods, to 
aiford mutual assistance in all justifiable v/ars, ta 
promote peace among their neighbours, &:c. — 
Massassoit and his successors, for fifty years, 
inviolably observed this treaty. His example 
was followed by others. On the 13th of Sep- 
tember nine neighbouring sachemsf subscribed 
a writing acknowledging subjection to the king 

of England 4 

22. To the unspeakable satisfaction of the 
Plymouth settlers, their associates in England 
sent them a supply of necessaries, and a rein- 
forcement of colonists in November. By this 
arrival they received a charter procured for them 
by the adventurers in London who had been 
originally concerned with them in this enter- 
prize. 

23. The Ply moil thlans purchased of the In- 
dian proprietors a right to the lands which they 
cultivated, and for several yeai's after their arri- 

* A king- or supreme ruler among the American Indians. 
t A prince or chief among the American Indians. 
I Mather, Book i. page 10. 



14 History of New-Engkind, 

val the whole property of the colony was in 
common, from which every person was furnish- 
ed with necessary articles. 

24. At the close of the year 1624, the plan- 
tation consisted of 180 persons. They had 
built a town consisting of thirty-two dwelling 
houses, erected a citadel for its defence, and 
laid out farms for its support. 

25. The following yeai' the new colony re- 
1625 cei\'ed the melancholy intelligence of the death 

of Rev. Mr. Robinson, who died at Lej'den in 
the month of March, in the fiftieth year of his 
age. The character of this excellent man. who 
w^as distinguished both by his natural abilities 
and an highly cultivated mind, was greatly digni- 
fied by the mild and amiable virtues of Chris- 
tianity. He possessed a liberality of sentiment, 
which was uncommon for the age in which he 
lived. He was revered and esteemed by the 
Dutch divines, venerated and beloved by his 
peopLe ; and the harmony which subsisted be- 
tween them was perfect and uninterrupted. 

26. Mr. Robinson's death was greatly la- 
mented by the people at Plymouth, who were 
flattering themselves with the pleasing hope of 
his speedy ai'rival in New-England. After his 
decease another pait of his congregation joined 
their brethren in America. In the beginning of 
the year. 1629, they chose Mr. Ralph SmiiU for 
their pastor. 

27. The new colonists made it their princi- 
,pal object to form churches, on what they sup- 
posed to be the gospel plan. They embraced 
the congregational system, and were of opinion 



History of Nexv-England, 15 

that no churches, nor church oflicers had any 
power to control other churches and officers, and 
that all church members had equal rights and 
prnileges. Their church officers were pastors, 
ruling elders, and deacons. In doctrinal points, 
their sentiments were strictly Calvinistic* 

28. Respecting their civil principles, an ar^ 
dent lo^-e of liberty, an unshakeif attachment to 
the rights of men, with a desire to transmit them 
to their latest posterity, were the principles which 
go^-erned their conduct. They made the gen- 
eral la^\-s of England their rule of government, 
and added such municipal laws, as were from 
time to time found necessary to re2:ulate new 
and emergent cases, which were unprovided for 
by the common and statute laws of England, f 

29. It appears from the above account that 
the Plymouthians were a plain, industrious, con- 
scientious, and pious people. Though their 
piety was fervent, yet it was also rational, and. 
disposed them to a strict observance of the mo- 
ral and social duties. The leadingVhai*acters a- 
niong them were men of superior abilities and 
undaunted fortitude. The respectable names 
of Carver, Bradford, Winslow, Prince, and 
others are immortalized in the annals of New- 
England, f 

* Prince's Chronology. Hutchinson, vol. ii. pRg'e467. 

t Thoug^h gtjvernor Hutchinson has asserted that the colonr 
of Plymouth ** never established any distinct code or body of 
laws," it appears, by the testimony of other historians, that in 
1636 their code of laws was revised, and capital crimes were 
enumerated and defined. In 1671, it was again revised, and the 
next year printed with this title : " The book of the g-eneral 
laws of the inhabitants of the jurisdiction of New- Plymouth. — 
See Belknap's Americftn Biography, vol. ii. p. 243. 

|; See an account of the church of Plymouth, in the Historic 
ca^ Collections for the yew 1794. 



16 History of Nexv-EiiglancL 

30. When the plantation amounted to about 
630 three hundred persons, they obtained a patent 

from the comicil of Ph^mouth. By this errant 
their lands were secured against all English 
claims. 

3 1 . From the history of the first settlers of New 
England, the persecution which they suffered in 
their native country, the motives which induced, 
them to emigrate, and the pious zeal which ani- 
mated them to encounter the hardships of effec- 
ting a new settlement, the rising generation 
may learn the most important lessons of pie- 
ty and industry. Education and early habits 
form the great outline of the human character 
much earlier than many are willing to admit. 
Religious principles imbibed in youth lay a foun- 
dation for future excellence in every science, 
profession, and business. To industry we owe 
tlie comforts of civilized life. By industry the 
^Vilderness of the new world ^vas converted into 
a fruitful field. Those who have risen to emi- 
nence from a low situation, have generally un- 
der Providence, owed their success to having 
acquired early habits of persevering diligenee. 

52. We ou2:ht however to be excited to in- 
dustry from nobler motives, than merely to gain 
fortune and reputation in this w^orld. It is the 
command of heaven, that we use every exertion 
to improve the talents, \Ahich our great Creator 
has afforded us. Time is one of his most pre- 
cious gifts ; on a proper and diligent use of 
which depend our success in life, and our w.eM 
.being and happiness through eternity. 



History of New -En gland. 17 

33. Young people also may learn not to be 
too easily deterred by apparent difficulties from 
any undertaking which is sanctioned by duty. 
-Had our ancestors previously made a timid and 
prudent calculation of the trials they^vere to en- 
counter in a desart land, inhabited by sa^^ages, 
they probably would never have been able to 
accomplish their important design. By over- 
coming one difficulty the mind acquires new 
energy, and, whilst pursuing the path of duty 
and humbly relying on divine Providence, is at 
length enabled to achieve what at first appeared 
impossible. This was the case with our ances- 
tors, when they effected a settlement in this part 
of the new world. 



CHAPTER n. 

1625—1634. 

Persecution in England, Settlement of the 
Massachusetts Colony, A Charter obtained. 
Salem founded and a Church incorporated. 
Large Additions made to the Plantation, Suf- 
ferings of the emigrants. Boston founded, 
■Union between Plymouth and Massachusetts. 
Great numbers arrive from England. Of the 
Massachusetts Government, Religion of the 
first Settlers of that Colony. Their Character: 

1. Whilst the settlers of Plymouth coIo- 1630 
ny were encountering various difficulties, their 



IS Ilistorij of Nexv -England. 

brethren, the puritans in England, were suffer- 
ing a severe persecution. Under the reign of 
Charles I. the government of the church was 
committed to archbishop Laud, a man of warm 
passions and strong prejudices. He entertained 
exalted ideas of the authority of the ecclesiastical 
hierarchy, and ^^■as determined to support it by 
coercive measures. His aversion to the puri- 
tans compelled him to prosecute them with rig- 
orous severity. In the high commission court 
and star chamber they were imprisoned, fined, and 
banished in an arbitrary and illegal manner.* 

2. This oppressive government induced sev- 
eral men of eminence to meditate a removal to 
America, if they should fail ia their measures 
for establishing civil and religious liberty in 
their native country. For this purpose, they 
olDtaincd grapts of land in New-England, and 
were assiduous in settling them. Among these 
patentees were the lords Brook, Say, and Seal, 
the Pelhams, the Hampdens, and the Pyms, 
names which have since been greatly distinguish- 
ed in tlie annals of their country. 

3. In 1625, a small party from Plymouth, 
under the conduct of Mr. Roger Conant, set- 
tled on that part of the American coast, now cal- 
led Salem. The various difficulties they were 
obliged to encounter, induced them to meditate 
a return to England. The execution of their 
design was prevented by Mr. White of Dor- 

1627 Chester a puritan clergyman, who, having pro- 
;ccted an asylum in America for the persecuted 

•^ See Rapln*5 Hist.of EngUnd, and NQ*r« Hist, of the puritan* 



History of A^ew-England. 19 

of his own persuasion, promised speedily to send 
them a patent, supphes, and friends. He en- 
gaged a number of leading characters to interest 
themselves in his plan. On the 19th of March, : 
Sir Henry Roswell and several other gentlemen 
in the neighbourhood of Dorchester^ received a 
patent of Massachusetts Bay from the company 
of Plymowdi. 

4. These gentlemen petitioned for a royal 
charter, under the idea, that their existence and 
powers would be thereby secured and promoted. 
They succeeded, and a charter of incorporation 
was granted by king Charles I. constituting 
them a body politic, by the name of " The 
governour and company of Massachusetts Bay in 
New-England," with as ample povrers as any 
corporation in the realm of E ngland . The patent 
recited the grant of American territory -to the 
council of Plymouth in 1620. It regranted Mas- 
sachusetts Bay to Sir Henry Roswell and others. 

5. The whole executive power of the cor- 
poration was vested in a governour, deputy gov> 
ernour, and eighteen assistants ; and until the 
annual election of the company could commence, 
the governour, deputy-governour, and eighteen 
assistants were specified. The governour and 
seven or more assistants were authorised to meet 
in monthly courts for dispatching such business^ 
as concerned the company or settlement. But 
the legislative powers of the corporation were 
vested in a more popular assembly, composed of 
the governour, deputy governour, the assistants, 
and freemen of the company. This assembly 
was to be convened on the last Wednesday of each 



20 History of New-Englartd, 

1628 of the four annual terms, by the title of the Gen- 
eral Court^ was empowered to enact laws and 

■ ordinances for the good of the body politic and 
the government of the plantation, and its inhab- 
itants,, provided they should not be repugnant to 
the laws and statutes ofEns^land. This assembly, 
was empowered to elect their governour, deputy 
gx)vernour, and other necessary officers, and to 
confer the freedom of the company. The com- 
pany was allowed to transport persons, merchant 
dize, weapons, Stc. to New-England,, exempted 
from duty, for the term of seven years ; and 
emigrants were entitled to all the privileges of 
Englishmen. Such ai*e the general outlines 
of the charter.^ 

6. Soon after the patent of Massachusetts 
received the royal confirmation, Capt. Endicot, 
vdth one hundred persons, was sent over to pre- 
pare the way for the settlement of a permanent 
colony at Salem, the first town in Massachusetts. 

1629 '^^^ following year they were joined by two 
hundred planters from England. One hundred 
of whom removed and settled at Charlestown. 

7. Agreeably to the professed design of their 
emigi'ation the new settlers made it their primary 
concern to form a church at Salem, upon 
a similar plan of order and discipline with that of 
their brethern at Plvmouth. Messrs. Skelton 
and Higgenson| were ordained pastor and teach- 

* See Massachusetts colony charter hi Hutchinson's collection 
of papers, p. 2, 3, 4, 5, &c. 

t The Rev. Francis Hig-genson came to Massachusetts in. 
.1629. He was a truh evang'elical preacher, and enforced the" 
doctrines he taug-ht with persuasive eloquence. He was revered 
an.d beloved by his people ; and celebrated for the intellectual, 
moral aiid relig-ious excellence of his character. His deaths 
>hicli took place in 1.630, was grcxtl}' lamented. 



History of JVexv-Englcmd, 21 

er. The Messengers from the church of Plym- 
outh, who \vere convoked on this solemn occa- 
sion, gave the right hand of fellowship, by which 
ceremony tlte two churches professed mutual 
affection and communion.* 

8. Several gentlemen of fortune and distin- 
guished reput^ion made proposals to the Massa- 
chusetts company for settling with their families 
in America, on condition that the government 
should be transferred to tl"ie inhabitants. A Gen- 
eral Court w^as convened, by whom their plan 
was accepted, and the company proceeded to a 
nev/ election of officers, who were to repair to and 
settle in New- England, John Winthrop, Esq. 
of Groton in Suffolk, a gentlemen of distinguished 
piety and ability, was chosen governour, Mr. 
Thos. Dudley was elected deputygovernour, f and 
other worthy persons were chosen for their council. 

9. After this revolution was effected, seven- 
teen ships sailed from England containing fif- 
teen hundred • persons, among w^hom were the 
governour and assistants with their ch:irter. — 
They arrived in Salem, June 12th. The 6th of 
July was, in consequence of their safe arrival, 
celebrated as a day of public thanksgiving-, in 
all the settlements in New- England. 

10. Many of the first settlers of Massachu- 
setts were possessed of large fortunes in their 
native country, and enjoyed the elegant accom- 

* Mather, p. 16-^-19. 

t Mr. John Hui'nphrey was chosen deputy g-ovemour at the 
fetraation of the colony, but after the settlers embarked, Mr. 
Dudley was elected in his place. Mr. Humphrey did not come • 
to New-Englaiid till the year 1634. See Holmes' American 
Anaab, 

a2- 



22 History af New -England. 

modations of life. The striking contrast be- 
tween their farmer ease and afiiuence, and the 
hardships they now endured must have aug- 
mented their distress. They were obhged to 
dispose of their large and valuable estates to 
make provision for their enterprize. The rigor 
of the climate, together with the fatigue and ex- 
ertions unavoidable in a new settlement, occa- 
sioned diseases which proved fatal to a large 
number the first winter after their arrival Their 
stock of provisions falling short,, the dreadful 
idea of perishing by famine was added to their 
other calamities. Religion animated and sup- 
ported them under all their trials and difficulties. 

1 1 . Towards the close of the year, the colo- 
ny of Charlestown removed to a peninsula to 
which they gave the name of Boston, from a 
town in Lincolnshire, in England, the native re- 
sidence of some of the first settlers, and whence 
they expected the Rev. John Cotton, a celebra- 
ted puritan clergyman. They established a 
congregational church, over which the Rev* 
John Wilson officiated as pastor. 

12. The subsequent summer a number of 
passengers arrived from England, among whom 
was the Rev. John Eliot. A number of his partic^ 
ular friends having formed a settlement, and 
collected a church in a town which they called 
Roxbury, he was ordained their pastor the year 
after his arrival in New-England.* 

13. In order to establish a unjon between 
the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts, 
the governour, with Rev. Mr. Wilson and other 

* Mather, book, iii. p. 17i5. 



Historij of NcxV'England, 23 

,^ent]emen, walked forty miles through thcMoods 
toPlymouth. Mr. Bradford, governoiir of Ply- 
mouth, received them with great respect ; and 
this interview laid the foundation of a permanent 
friendship. 

14. About this period a considerable num- 1533 
ber of new settlers arrived in New- England ; 
among whom were Re\\ John Cotton, who was 
chosen assistant to Mr. Wilson in Boston, and 
Rev. Messrs. Hooker and Stone, who were or- 
dained over the church in Ne^vton, since called 
Cambridge. The settlement of these celebrated 
clergymen, joined with the unrelenting severity 

of' archbishop Laud^s administration, induced 
such numbers to emigrate,' that new plantations 
were formed, and congregational churclies es- 
tablished in various parts of the country. 

15. The population of Massachusetts had 1635 
now become so great, as to induce the colonists 

in certain instances to deviate in the administra- 
tion of government, from the directions of their 
charter. Hitherto the legislative power had 
been exercised by the govemour, deputy-gover- 
nour, the assistants^ and the whole body of free- 
men in person. The increase of the country 
having rendered this method extremely incon- 
venient, the people elected representatives, who 
met the governo^r and council, and constituted 
the General Court. In 1644 the General Courts 
were i-educed from four to two in a year, and 
except in this and a few other unimportant 
circumstances, the government remained unal- 
tered until 1684, when the people were depriv- 
ed of their charter.* 

* Htttchinson. 



24 History of Nexv- England, 

16. The most distinguished persons among 
the Massachusetts settlers maintained, that the 
subjects of any prince or state had a natural right 
to migrate to any other part of the world, when 
deprived of liberty of conscience, and that upon 
such a removal their allegiance ceased. They 
acknowledged,. that thqy ought not to enact laws 
rsepugnant to those of England ; but at the same 
time asserted their right of being governed by 
their own laws, and by officers of their owai 
election. Hence, instead of strictly conforming 
to the lav/jb of England, they made the Mosaic 
laws the foundation of the code they, established. 

17. Most of the early settlers of Massachu- 
setts, had, whilst in England, lived in commu- 
nion with the established church. The rigorous 
measures used to enforce ceremonies, by them, 
deemed unlawful, occasioned their removal to 
America. Previously to leaving their native 
country they agreed in a respectful addiess* to 
the members of the church of England, inw-hich 
they desired to be called their brethren. They 
requested their prayers, and, in energetic lan- 
guage, professed the most affectionate regard to 
their welfare. 

18. The Massachusetts churches in general 
were formed on the congregational model, and 
maintained calvinistic doctrines. The colony 
had no settled plaji of church discipline till after 
the arrival of Mr. Cotton, whose opinion in civil 
and sacred concerns was held in the highest es- 
timation. He gradually modelled all their 
church administrations, and determined tlieir. 

♦-S»e this address in Hutchinson's History. 



History of A^ew-^EnglandL 25 

ecclesiastical constitutions. This great man 
earnestly pleaded, '^ that the government might 
be considered as a theocracy, whefein the Lord 
was judge, law-giver, and king ; that the laws 
of Israel might be adopted by the New- England 
settlers, so far as they were considered as God's 
people in covenant with him ; that none but 
persons of approved piety and eminent abilities 
should be chosen rulers ; that the clergy should 
be consulted in all matters of religion ; and that 
the m.agistrates should have a superintending 
and coercive power over the churches. *' 

19. ,In consequence of this union between 
church and state, on the plan of Jewish theocracy, 
the ministers were called to sit in council, and 
give their advice in matters of religion, and cases 
of conscience, which came before the court, 
and without them they never proceeded to- any 
act of an ecclesiastical nature. As none were 
allowed to vote in the election of rulers but free- 
men, and freem.en must be church- members ; 
and as none could be admitted into the church, 
but by the elders, who first exammed and then 
propounded them to the brethren for their vote, 
the clergy acquired hereby a vast asceiidancy 
m'cr both rulers and people.. 

20. The magistrates, on the other hand re- 
gulated the gathering of the churches, interpos- 
ed in the settlement and dismission of ministers, 
aibitrated in ecclesiastical controversies, and 
controled synodical assemblies. This co- 
ercive power in the magistrates was, deemed ab- 
solutely necessary to preserve the order of the 
Gospel.* 

* Belknap, vol. i. p. 81. 



26 History of jYexv-Eng/a?id, 

21. Though the conduct of our ancestors 
in the appHcation of the power of the civil ma- 
gistrate to rehgious concerns, was fraught with 
errour, and the Uberal sentiments of the pres- 
ent age place their errours in a conspicuous point 
of vicAV ; their memory ought ever to be held 
in A'eneration. While we review the imperfec- 
tions which, at present cast a shade over their 
characters, vve ought to recollect those virtues, 
by which they ga\^e lustre to the age in 
which they lived, their ardent love of liberty 
when tyranny prevailed in church and state ; the 
fortitude with which they sacrificed ease and 
opulence, and encountered complicated hard- 
ships, in order to enjoy the sacred rights of con- 
science ; their care to lay a foundation for solid 
learning, and establish wise and useful institu- 
tions in their infant state ; the immense pains 
they took in settling and cultivating their lands, 
and defending the country against the depreda- 
tions of surrounding Indians ; and above all 
their supreme regard for religion. 

22. The first inhabitants of New-England 
are thus justly characterised by an eminent au- 
thor, " Religious to some degree of enthusiasm 
it may be admitted they were, but this can be 
no peculiar derogation from their character, be- 
cause it was at that time almost the universal 
character not only of England, but of Christen- 
dom. Had this however been otherwise, their 
enthusiasm, considering the principles on which 
it was founded, and the ends to which it was 
directed, x^' from being a reproach, was great- 
ly to their honour. For I believe it ^^iil be 



History of New -England, 27 

found universally true, that no great enterprize 
for the honour and happiness of mankind was 
ever achieved without a large mixture of that 
noble infirmity. Whatever imperfections may 
be justly ascribed to them, which, however, are 
as few as any mortals have discovered, their 
judgment in forming their policy was founded 
on wise and benevolent principles ; it was 
founded on revelation and reason too ; it was 
consistent with the best, greatest, and wisest le- 
gislators of antiquity.""* 

23. The Massachusetts colony rapidly in- 
creased. A dreary wilderness in the space of 
a few years had become a comfortable habita- 
tion, furnished with the necessaries and conve- 
niencies of life. It is remarkable that previ- 
ously to this period, all the attempts at settling 
the northern patent upon secular views proved 
abortive. They were accompanied widi such 
public discouragement as would probably have 
lost the continent to England, or have permit- 
ted only the sharing of it with the other Euro- 
pean powders, as in the West- India Islands, had 
not the spirit of religion given rise to an effec- 
tual colonization. 

* Adams on the caaoff and feudal law. Bo&ton Gazette, 1765. 



S8 Hist or y of A'^ew- England, 



CHAPTER III. 

16S2-— 1629. 
» Of the Settlement of New -Hampshire and the 
District of Maine. The Plantation and Civil 
Govermnent of Connecticut and KeT-v- Haven, 
Of their Attention to the Promotion ofl^earn^ 
ing" and Peligion. The religious Tenets in 
which the Nexv England Settlers were agreed 
The King and Council in England prohibit ths 
Puritans from embarking for America. 

1. VV HILST religious principles ani- 
mated the settlers of Plymouth and Massachu-- 
setts to encounter hardships in a dreary wilder- 
ness, a spirit of enterprize and ambition induc- 
ed others to attempt settlements in different 
parts of the new world. As early as 1622, 
grants of land had been made by the Plymouth 
council to two of their most active members, 
viz. Sir Ferdinand Gorges and Capt. John 
Mason. The subsequent year, they, in con- 
junction with several English merchants who 
styled themselves *' The company of Laconia," 
attempted the establishment of a colony and fishe- 
ry at the river Pascataqua. This was the 
begimiing of the settlement known since by the 
name of New-Hampshire.* 

2. Several years after, some of the scattered 
1629 P^^^i"^t^^s in the Bay of Massachusetts procured a 

general meeting of the Indians at Squamscot 
jails, where they obtained from the Indian sa- 

* Belknap, vol. i. p. 10, 



History of Nexu-EiigianiL 29 

diems, deeds of a tract of land between the riv- 
ers Pascataqua and Merrimack. These lands, 
at a future period, afforded an asylum for a num- 
ber of exiles whom persecution had driven from 
Massachusetts. 

3. In tliis and the two following years, the 
Plymouth council made se\'eral grants of lands 
on Pascataqua river, to different proprietors. 
Dispirited by the difficulties they were obliged 
to encounter, thi? major part of the other adven- 
turers sold their shares to Macon and Gorges, 
v/ho were more sanguine than the rest, and be- 
came the sole proprietors. 

4. These gentlemen redoubled their exer- 1^33 
tions for effectinp; a settlement. And havino- form- 

ed themselves into a body politic, and entered 
into a voluntary association for government, ap- 
pointed Francis Williams, a man of sense and 
discretion, to be their goveinour. ^ 

5. The District of Maine w^as settled by Sir 
Fcrdinando Gorges, at nearly the same period 
^^ith New-Hampshire. This gentleman was o>, 
an ambitious and enterprising spirit, a firm roy- 
alist and zealous episcopalian. Hence lie united 
w ith Mason, (whose civil and religious sentiments 
were similar to his own, ) in an unsuccessful 
attempt to obtain a general government over the 
New- England colonies. 

6. When he found this plan could not be 
effected, he solicited and obtained h charter from, 
king Charles 1st, ^vhich is said to have contained ^^ 
greater power than had ever been granted by a 
sovereign to a subject. Under this delegated 

* Belknap. 

D 



30 Histcry of JVew-England. 

authority he appointed counsellors for conduct- 
ing the affairs of the settlement. To perpetu- 
ate his reputation as land proprietor, he gave 
the plantation of York the name of Gorgeana. 
Theli de care that was taken to establish a regu- 
kir support for the clergy, and early want of re- 
ligious instruction proved highl}^ detrimental to 
the inhabitants of this country.* 

7. The rapid increase of Massachusetts set- 
tlement induced a number from that colony to 
form the design of effecting a new plantation on 
Connecticut river ; the land there situated being 
celebrated for its luxuriancy. The first grant 
of tiiis country was made by the Plymouth 
council to the earl of Warwick, m 1630, and 
confirmed by his majesty in council the same 
year. The earl assigned the grant to lord Say 
and Seal, lord Brook and nine others, who re- 
served it as asylum for the puritan emigrants 
from England, t 

8. Several families from Roxbury, Dor- 
chester, Cambridge, and Water to^vn, began to 
remove to Connecticut, After a tedious and 
difficult journey of fourteen days, through 
bwaraps and rivei's, over mountains and rough 
grounds, they arrived safely at the places of their 
respective destination, and founded the towns 
of Windsor/I Hartford,') Weathersfield. || Rev. 
Mr. Hooker, a respectable and pious clergy- 
man, was the leader of this enterprize. ^ 

* Sullivan, p. rs, 79, 237, 307- f Morse, vol. i. p. 465. 

% 1635. § 1636. II 1637. 

% T' •, Thomas Hooker caiTie Irovn England to Cambridg'e m 
Massaciiusetts, in 1633. Three- years after he removed to 
Connecticut, and was considsjred as father of that colony. He 



History of N(nv-England, 31 

9. *' The hardships and distresses cf the 
first planters of Connecticut," says Dr. Trum- 
bull, ''scarcely admit of a desciiption. To 
carry much provision, or furniture through a 
pathless v/ilderness, was impracticable. Their 
principal provisions and furniture were therefore 
put on board sevei ai small vessels, \^'hich, b}- 
reason of delays, and the tempestuousness of 
the season, were either cast away, or did not 
arrive." Several vessels \vere wrecked on the 
coast of New- England by the violence of the 
storms. Every resource appeared to fail, and 
the people were under the dreadful apprehen- 
sion of perishing by famine. They supported 
themselves in this distressing period with th.at 
heroic firmness and magnanimity, for which 
the first settlers of New-England had been so 
eminently distinguished.-* 

10. The Connecticut planters first settled 
under the general government of IVIassachu- 
setts ; but finding themselves without tlie lim- 
its of their patent, and being at full liberty to 
gOA-ern themselves by their own institutions, 
they formed themselves by voluntary compact 
into a distinct common vvcalth. 

1 1. The constitution of Connecticut ordain- 
ed that there should be t^vo general courts, or 
assemblies, in a year; one on the second Thurs- 
day in April, and the other on the second Thurs- 
day in September ; that the first should be the 
court of election, in which should be annually 

was distinguished as a preacher for applying his discourses to 
the heart§ and consciences of his hearers ; und his labors were 
eminently successful. He died \&S7. 
*iTrumbuil's Hist of Connecticut. 



32 I list or y of New -En gland. 

chosen at least six magistrates, and all other pub- 
lic officers. It provided that all persons who had 
been received as members of the several towns 
by a majority of the inhabitaiits, and had taken 
the oath of fidelity to the Common\vealth, should 
be admitted freemen of the colony. This \\ as 
the most material point in which the constitution 
of Connecticut dittered from that of Massachu- 
setts, which confined tlie privileges of freemen 
to the communion of the churches.'^ 

] 2. Agreeably to the constitution, the free- 
men comened at Hartford on the second Thurs- 
d?iy in April, and elected their officers for the 
ensuing } ear. John Haynes, esq. a gentleman 
of integrity, judgment, and piety, ^^\as chosen 
governour of the colony, f 

13. In the year 1635, the puritan noblemen, 
lords Say and Brook, having meditated a re- 
moval to America, fixed on the banks of the 
ConRecticut, as their place of settlement. They 
deputed George Femvick, esq. their agent, to 
]:)uild a fort at the mouth of the river, which he 
called Say brook J in honour of his noble pat- 
rons. 

14. Whilst the planters of Connecticut were 
thus exerting themselves in prosecuting and reg- 
ulating the affairs of that colony, another ^^as 
projected and settled at Quinnipiak, aftei' wards 
called Nev/.IIaven. This year, tv/o large ships 
arri\'ed in the Massachusetts Bay, with jTasscn- 
gers from London and its vicinity. Amongst 
these passengers was a number of respectable 

* See orig-Inal constitution of Connecticut, in Trumbull's 
History, \. 528. \ Trumbiill. 



History of jYexv-JEngfand, S3 

persons, in particular Mr. Eaton and Mr. Hop- 
kins, who had been opulent merchants in Lon- 
don, who were celebrated for abilities, integrity 
and piety, and Mr. John Davenport, a famous 
clergyman in the city of London, who Avas dis- 
tinguished for pi,ety, learning, and the upright- 
ness of his conduct. 

15. The reputation and opulence of the 
principal gentlemen of this company, made the 
people of Massachusetts exceedingly desirous 
of their settling in that Common^vcalth. To ef- 
fect this purpose, great pains were taken by 
particular persons and towns ; and the general 
court offered them their choice of a place of 
residence. Influenced however by the delight- 
ful prospects which the countiy afforded, and 
flattering themselves that by removing to a 
considerable distance, they should be out of 
the jurisdiction of a general go^-ernment, with 
which the plantations ^\'ere then threatened, they 
were determined to settle a distinct colony. 
In the autumn of this year,, Mr. Eaton^ and 
others who were of the compan}', made a jour- 
ney to Connecticut^ to explore the lands and 
harbors on the sea coast* They pitched upon 
Quinnipiak for the place of their settlement. 

16. The New-Haven adventurers were the 
most opulent company that came into New- 
England,, and their object was to plant a capital 
colony. They laid out their town plat in squai'es, 
designing it for a great and ele,*^ant city. In 
.the centre was a large square. This Avas coiii- 
passed with others making nine in the ^^•hole.^^•' 

* Trumbull, vol. i. p. 89^ 90, 94 
D 2 



34 ITistdry of New -England, 

17. This colony, like Connecticut, formed 
a government by voluntary agreement, without 
charter or authority from the crown. On the 
4th of July, all the free planters assembled at 
Quinnipiak to lay the foundations of their civil 
and religious policy. 

18. Re^^ INIr. Davenport introduced this im- 
portant transaction by a discourse from Prov. 
ix. 1. His design 'was to show, that the church 
or house of God should be formed of seven pil- 
lars or principal brethren, to whom all the other 
members of the church should be added. In 
conformity to this plan, after a proper term of 
trial, a number of the most distinguished cha- 
racters \vere chosen for the se^xn pillars of the 
church. 

19. On the 25th of October, the court, as 
it was termed, consisting of those seven persons 
only, convened, and after a solemn address to 
the Supreme Being, proceeded to form the body 
of freemen, and to elect their civil officers. 
Their elections w^ere annual, and INlr. Theophi- 
lus Eaton was chosen governour for the first year. 

20. By this original fundamental constitu- 
tion of New- Haven, all government was vested 
in the church. The members of the church 
elected the governour, magistrates, and all other 
officers. The magistrates at first were no more 
than assistants of the governour; they might not 
act in any sentence or determination of the court. 
No deputy -governour was chosen, nor were any 
laws enacted except the general resolutions 
which have been noticed : but as the plantation 
enlarged, and new tovnis ^vere setded, ne^^' or- 



History of New 'England. oS 

ders were given ; the general court received 
another form ; laws were enacted, and the civil 
policy of this jurisdiction gradually advanced in 
its essential parts, to a near resemblance of the 
government of Connecticut.^ 

21. The first settlers in Ne^^'- Haven had all 
tilings in common ; all purchases were made in 
the name and for the use of the ^\ hole planta- 
tion, and the lands were apportioned out to each 
family, according to its number and original 
stock, t 

22. The colonics of Connecticut and New- 
Haven, from their first settlement, rapidly in- 
creased. From 1635 to 1640, six towns were 
settled, viz. Windsor, Hartford and Wethers- 
field, in Connecticut ; and New- Haven, Mil- 
ford, and Stamford, in New-Haven.t 

23. Schools were instituted by law in every 
to\\ n and parish of Connecticut and New-Ha- 
ven. As the country was oi^ginally designed 
as an asylum for the puritan religion, the settlers 
of both colonies were assiduously engaged iu 
gathering congregational churches, and settling 
pastors and church officers. 

24. The New-England churches agreed in 
adopting calvinistic doctrines ; in maintaining 
the power of each particular church to govern 
itself, the validity of presbyterian ordination, and 
the expediency of s3^nods on certain great occa- 
sions. From their commencement they used 

* Trurobull, vol. i. p. 101, 102, 103. See fundamental articles 
in the original constitution of New-Haven, in appendix to Trum- 
bull's history pag-e 633. 

f Morse, vol. i, page 449. 

■\. Manuscript of tlie late President Stiles. 



36 Ilistonj of New -En gland, 

1637 ecclesiastical councils, convoked by particulai* 
churches for advice, but not for the' judicial de- 
termination of controversies. - 

25. The persecution in England still contin- 
ued, and occasioned so many puritans to go 
over to New-England, that the king and council, 
by a proclamation dated April 30th, forbade any 
further emigration, and an order was dispatched 
to detain eight ships Wm^ in the river Thames, 
which were prepared *to sail Notwithstanding 
this prohibition (so difficult is it restrain men 
v.-hose minds are agitated by fear or hope) great 
numbers found meaus to elude the \'igilance of 
government, and transported themselves to Mas- 
sachusetts. From the same motives, the estab- 
lishment of the colony of Nev.'- Haven was un- 
dertaken, and extensive settlements in New- 
England formed at that period.f 

26. From revievvdng the above settlements, 
we are to admire the wisdom of divine provi- 
dence, m rendering the bigotry and intolerance 
of the English nation subservient to the planting 
of flourishing colonies in the new Avorld. By 
these means, regions before inhabited by sav* 
ages, now became peopled by men of piety and 
information ; and a scene opened unparalleled 
in the annab of history. No nation ever enjoy-, 
ed sa much liberty and opportunity (^f forming 
civil and religious establishments,, as the first 
settlers of New- England. . The increase of their 
numbers was rapid beyond example. J No other 

* Mather. f Chalmers, p. 38. 

% The number of ships which had transported passengers ta 
_ New-England from the commencement of the settlement of 
Mass.uhtisetts to thQ year IGSf, was cstimated.tobe two hun- 



Ilistonj of Nexu-EvghimL 57 

instance can be produced of a people, ^vho at 
their first settlement, Mere so assiduously engag- 
ed in promoting useful learning, and in making 
improvements in tlie arts and sciences. It is 
remarkable that at this period, a\ hen the emigra- 
tion from England ceased, the settlements were 
still farther extended by similar means, \ iz. the 
biG:otr\' and intolerance of the nev/ settlers, l^his 
ga^^e rise to the plantations of Providence and 
Rhode-Island, an account of which will be cri\ - 
en in the subsequent chapter. 



CHAPTER IV. 

1631—1643. 

Of the intolerant Principles of the Massachu- 
setts Colony, Banishment of Mr, Roger IV it- 
Hams and his settlement at Providence. Of 
the Antinomian Dissentions in Massachusetts y 
and the Settlements of Rhode -Island, Of the 
Plantations of Exeter^ Hampton^ afid JVar- 
ivick. Of Plymouth Settlements. The inhab- 
itants of Narraganset-Bay obtain a Patent 
from the Cro%vn of England, 

1. X HE inhabitants of New-England, 
who abandoned their native country, and en- 
coantered a ^'ariety of hai'dships to avoid perse - 

dred and ninety-eig-ht ; and the number of men, women and 
children, twenty-one thousand two hundred. See Holnies.* 
American Annals. 



rt 



8 History of JVeiv 'England, 



cution, soon discovered a determirxd resolution 
to enforce uniformity in religious worship, a- 
mong all those Vv'ho inhabited the territories. 
1631 K^i^<^^5 ^s early as the second general court, after 
the arrival of the governour and coBipany, they 
resolved, that none should be admitted to the 
freedom of the body politic, but such as were 
church members. They soon after concluded 
that none but such should share in the adminis- 
tration of civil government, or have a voice in 
any election. A few years after, they so fai' for- 
got their own sufferings, as to persecute those 
who refused to accede to their religious senti- 
ments.'^ 

2. IVIr. Roger Williams, a puritan clerg}-- 
man, arrived this yeai' from England at Salem 
where he was immediately chosen assistant to 
Mr. Skelton. The magistrates opposed his set- 
tlement, because he refused to join with the 
church at Boston, unless they would make a 
public declaration of their repentance for raain- 
taining communion with the church of England 
while in their native country. This occasioned 
Mr. Williams' remo^'al to Plymouth, where he 
was elected assistant to Mr. Smith, in which 
office he continued between two and three years. 
Upon a disagreement with some of the charac- 
ters in this church, and an invitation to Salem, 
he requested a dismission and returned to that 
town. As Mr. Skelton, the fo-rmer clergy nian, 
was nov/ deceased, he vras chosen to succeed 
him ; but the magistrates still Oj^posed his set- 
tlement, on account of certain religious opin- 
ions. 

* Hutchinson, vol. 1. p. 26, 27. 



ITistory of Keiv-EngiamL 39 

3. The sentiments wiih which his oppo- 
nents charo-ed him, ^^^ere as follow : That it is 
not lawful for a godly man to have communion 
in family prayer, or an oath, with such as they 
judge unrcgenerate. Therefore he refused the 
oath of fidelity, and taught others to follow his 
example ; that it is not lawful for an unrcgene- 
rate "man to pray; that the magistrate has noth- 
ing to do in matters of the first table ; that there 
should be a general and unlimited toleration of 
all religions, and that it was persecution to pun-j 
ish a man for following the dictates of his con-j 
science ; that the patent which was granted by 
king Charles Vvas invalid, and an instrument of 
injufitice," which they ought to renounce, be-^ 
caure the king of England had no power to dis-^ 
pose of the lands of the natives. On account 
of these sentiments, and for refusing to join in 
cominunicn with the Massachusetts churches, 

he was at length banished the colony, as a di;>- 1654 
turber of the peace of the churcliand Common- 
wealth. *- 

4. Whilst Mr. Williams resided at Plym- 
outh and Salem, he cultivated an acquaintance 
^^•ith the Indians in those towns, arid learned 
their language. Previously to his leaving the 
colony, he presented a variety of gifts to Ca- 
nonicus and Osamaquin, two Narraganset sa- 
chems, and privately treated with them for land, 
with which they assured him he should be sup- 
plied, provided he would setde in their coun- 
try. This encouraged him after his banish- 

* Hutchinson, vol, i. p. 87. Neal's History of New-Eng^land, 
vol. i. p. 153. 



40 History of A'exv- England, 

1636 nient, to remove \vith four companions to Niii'-- 
rxigan set-Bay. 

5. He and his friends first came to Seconk, 
nov^ Rehoboth, and obtained a grant of land 
from the chief sachem at Mount- Hope. But 
us this place was within the limits of Plymouth 
pLitent, Mr. Winsiow the governour, in a friend- 
ly iriannei', advised them to remove. They 
complied, and having crossed Seconk river, 
landed among the Lidians, by whom they were 
hospitably received. Mr. Williams named tlie 
place of his residence, Providence, "in a sense 
of God's merciful providence to him in his dis- 
tress. ' ^ Strongly impressed with the importance 
of religious liberty, the grand object a\ hich he 
had in view v/as, " to provide a refuge for per- 
sons destitute for conscience sake.""* 

6. This small company was soon augment- 
ed by parties from Massachusetts. The new 
emigrants greatly suffered through fatigue and 
^vant. They supported tlieir aiiilction with 
christian fortitude, and effected a setdement, 
the government of vrhicli was founded on the 
broad basis of universal toleration. 

7. ' ' Mr. Williams embraced the sentiments 
1639 of the baptists a few years after his arrival in 

Providence, and was instrumental in forming a 
church of that denomination, which was the 
first baptist church in New-England." He 
soon after relinquished their opinions, and be- 
came a seeker. But, though his strong feel- 
ings, and dc*>p researches in the mazes of spec- 

** Williams* -second deed to the settlers, 1661. Plea to tlift 
Court oC Commissioners, 1^77. 



History of JV&iv-Engkind^ 41 

tilation, led him to be wavering and undecided 
in his religious sentiments, yet his conduct ex- 
hibited the goodness of his heart, and purity of 
his intentions. He exerted himself to the ut- 
most that others might enjoy that freedom of 
opinion which he himself exercised ; and long 
retained his authority in the colony he had found- 
ed, employing himself continually in acts of 
kindness, affording relief to the distressed, and 
oftering an asylum to the persecuted.* 

8. The first form of goyernment established 

at Providence, appears to have been a volunta- , 
ry agreement, that each individual should sub- 
mit to, and be governed by, the resolutions of 
the whole body. All public concerns and pri- 
vate controversies were heard, adjudged, and 
finished, in their town meetings. f 

9. Soon after the settlement was begun in 1 537 
Providence, the commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts was disturbed by intestine divisions. The 
male members of the church in Boston had been 
accustomed to convene every week for religious 
purposes. Mrs. Hutchinson, a very extraor- 
dinary woman, established a similar meeting for 

her own sex, in which she repeated passages in 
Mr. Cotton's sermons, accompanied with her 
remai'ks and expositions. These lectures for 
some time were received with general approba- 
tion, and attended bv a numerous audience. 
At length she drew a marked distinction between 
tlie ministers and members of churches through 

* See letter from Roger Williams to Major Mason, publishecl 
tn Collections of the Historical Society for 1792. 
t Gov, Hopkins' Gazette. 

E 



42 History of New -England. 

the country. A small number she allowed to 
be under a covenant of grace, and asserted that 
ihe others were under a covenant of ^^orks. She 
' was also charged with maintaining, that the Ho- 
ly Ghost dwells personally in a justified person ; 
and that sanctification is not an evidence of jus- 
tification.* 

. 10. The fluency and confidence with which 
she delivered her sentiments procured numerous 
proselytes. The w'hole colony was divided into 
two parties, difiering in sentiment, and alienated 
in affection. The antinomians, (for so Mrs. 
Hutchinson's followers were called,) exerted 
themselves to keep in office Sir Henry Vane,f 
who adopted their opinions and protected their 
preachers. On the other hand the opposite par- 
ty used every effort to discontinue him, and sub- 
stitute John Winthrop, Esq. and after some dif- 
ficult}', they succeeded in the election of tliis 
gentleman. 

11. The w^hole colony w-as now so much 
interested and agitated, that it was judged ad vise- 
able to call a council to give their opinion upon 
the controverted points. Accordingly, the first 
synod in New- England, was convened at New- 
ton, now Cambridge, the 30th of August. Af- 
ter disputing for three weeks the synod condem- 
ned eighty-two erroneous opinions, said to have | 
been maintained in the colon}'. The result was 
signed by all the members except Mr. Cotton, 

* Hutchinson, vol. 11. p. 67. 

f Sir Henry Vane came to Massachusetts in 1635, and was 
chosen governor the following' year. He returned to England 
1637, and upon the breaking out of the civil war in the reign of 
Charles I. he took an active paa-t on the parliament side ; and 
suffered death, in 1662, on *0^% charge of high U'cason. 



Iiisto7'y of Nexv-Eiigland, 43" 

who, though he declined censurlhg the whole, 
expressed his disapprobation of the greater part 
of these opinions.* 

12. The general court, in their session at 
Newton cited the principal persons of the anti- 
nomian party to appear before them ; and pro* 
nounced a sentence of banishment upon Mrs. 
Hutchinson, and Rev. John Wheelright, her 
brother, who had been a preacher in Braintree, 
then a part of Boston. He had warmly advoca- 
ted the new doctrines, and in a late discourse, 
severely censured the magistrates and ministers 
in the colony, f 

13. Mrs. Hutchinson, with a large number 
of her party, some of whom had been banished, 
and others disfranchised, removed from the ju- 
risdiction of Massachusetts colony. Mr. Roger 
Williams received and entertained them with, 
the most friendly attention at Providence. His 
active benevolence, with the assistance of Sir 
Henr)' Vane, procured for them Aquidneck, 
now ilhode- Island, ofthe Indian sachems. On. 
the 24th of March, 1638, they signed a deed, 
conveying this island to the English. Here the 
exiles found a comfortable asylum, and entered^ 
into a voluntary association for government. :[: 

14^ Mr. William Coddington was chosen- 
to be their judge and chief magistrate. This 
gentleman came to America in 1630 ; settled in 
Boston, and became one of the princip^ mer- 
chants in that town. After his removal to 
Rhode-Island, he embraced the sentiments of 

• Hutchinson, vol. i. p. ^7. f Belknap, vol. i. p. 3G.' 

\ Records in the Secretary's office, in Providence. 



44 Brstory of N'ero-Englamh 

the friends. He appears to have bccii a A\aniL 
advocate for liberty of conscience.* 

15. Mr. John ■ Clark was another leading' 
character among the exiles. In order to enjoy 
religious hberty, he ^-oluntarily abandoned the 
colony of Massachusetts. In 1644., he found- 
ed a bkiptist cliurch in Rhode-Island. He was. 
Qhosen agent for the newly established planta- 
tion, and after the restoration of Charles II. was 
instrumental in rsrocurino: a charter. 

16. The settlement of this island was com- 
menced at the north end, and named Ports- 
mouth, from the narrow strait on which it 
lies. At the opening of the next year, ha^dng 
found another -fine harbour, a settlement was 
made at the south-west part of the island, which 
was called Newport. The fertility of its lands, ^ 
the convenience of its port, and tlie opulence of 
its iirst inhabitants, conspired to renderitina 
few years, the metropolis of the colony. ' 

17. The government estabhshed irf Rhode- 
Island was similar to tliat of Providence ; for 
though the chief magistrate and four assistants 
were invested with some of the executi\e pow- 
i:.rs, the remainder with the legislative and judic- 
iary authority, ^vcre exercised by the body of 
the people in town meeting. 

18. Large numbers of bapti#:s and friends, 
at different periods, repaired to Providence and 
Rhode "Island, in order to find an asylum from 
persecution, '^ It being," as Dr. Belknap ob- 
serves, *' the distinguishing trait in this colony, 

* See Coddington's letter to the governor of New-En^hnd, 
writteniu 1675. 



History of Nexv-Eiighnid, 45 

that it was settled on a plan of entire religions 
liberty ; men of every denomination being 
equally protected and countenanced, and enjoy- 
ing- the honours and offices of government." 

19. The intolerance of Massachusetts, which 
gave rise to the settlement of Providence and 
Rhode- Island, proved th-5 occasion of enlarging 
Nev.--Hampshire. Rev. John Wheeiright, af- 
ter his banishment, sought an. asylum ^in that 
colony. He had previously purchased lands of 
the Indians at Squamscot falls, and with a num- 
ber of his adherents now 15egan a plantation,^ 
v/hich, according to the agreement made with 
Mason's agents,- was called Exeter, Having 
obtained a dismission from the church in Boston, 
they established a church in that place ; and be- 
ing without the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, 
formed themselves into a body politic for their 
own government. 

20. About the same time a number of per- 
sons, chiefly from Norfolk in England, made a 
settlement in a place which they called Hamp- ^ 
ton. They began by laying out a township in ^ 
shares; and having formed a church, chose Mr. 
Stephen Bachelor for their minister.-^ 

2L- The inhabitants of Lynn in Massachu- ^53 
setts, becam.e so much straitened at homiC, that 
they contracted with the agent of Lord Sterling, 
for a tract of land on the west end of Long-Isl- 
and. But the Dutch gave them so much trou- 
ble, that they were obliged to desert from a set- 
tlement which they had commenced, aiid re- 
move farther eastward. They collected nearl}/ 

* Bdknap, vol. i. p. 3r— 59, 
E2. 



46 History of New-Englcmi. 

an hundred families, and effected a permanent 
settlement which they called South- Hampton, 
Having entered into a combination to maintain 
civil government, they formed themselves into 
a church, and called jVIr. Abraham Pierson to 
be their pastor. 

22. The settlers of Plym_outh were at first 
but few in number ; and the additions made in 
these parts, after Massachusetts was planted, 
were small ; yet before the year 1643, they had 
settled nine towns; after the death of Mr. Car- 
ver, their first governor, which took place soon 
after their arrival, they chose Mr. Bradford,^ 
and were so well satisfied with his administra- 
tion, that except three years, when Mr. Win- 
slow and two, v/hen Mr. Prince were chosen, 
he was elected annually till his death. The 
colony v/as blessed with pious and learned min- 
isters, one of whom Mr. Chauncy, was, some 
years' after, chosen president of Geanbridge col-- 

23. Four years after the settlement of Prov- 
idence, the inhabitants of that colony began a 
plantation ac Patucket, a place adjohiing and 
comprehended v ithin their grant. 

24. The colonists at Providence and Rhode- 

* William Bradford was born in the north of Eng-land 1588, 
he camo to America with the first company in 1620. Piety, 
wisdom and integrity, were such prominent traits in his charac- 
ter +hathe wa? anaaally chosen governor for ni;.ny years ; and 
thw..^-"- he str-ngly recomrficnded a rotation in the election, he 
CO' .10 net olitain it for mere than five years in thirty-five. The 
night :.cfc.\ his de. th bis mii d was so elevated with idea offu- 
tm-ity, that h. said to his friends in the morning, '* God hath 
given me a pledge of. my happiness in another world, and tlie 
firstfruitsof eternal glory." He died 1657, in the sixty-ninth 
year of his age. See Belknap's American Biography. 



History of New-Englaticl 47 

Island being destatute of a patent or any legal- 
authority, sent Mr. Williams as their agent to 
England, to procure a charter from the crown. 
By the assistance of Sir Henry Vane, and the 
influence of the earl of Warwick, then governor 
and admiral of all the plantations, he obtained 
from parliament a free and absolute charter of 
civil incorporation of Providence Plantations in 
Narraganset Bay, The inhabitants were em- 
powered to form their own government, and 
enact laws conformable to the laws and statutes 
of England. ^ 

25. The apprehension of impending danger 
from a general combination of the Indians, in- 
duced the New- England colonies to form an un- 
ion for their mutual defence. Commissioners 
from Massachusetts, Plj^mouth, Connecticut, 
and New-Haven, convened and framed articles 
of confederaticno Rhode-Island was desirous of 
joining, but IMassacIlusetts refused to admit 
their commissioners. Upon this exclusion, the 
plantations of Providence and Rhode-Island 
courted the friendship of the neighboring In= 
dians with such assiduity and success, that in 
the year 1644, they obtained Irrm the chiefs of 
the Narragansets, a formal surrender of their ^ 
country. 

26. The intolerance of the first settlers of 
Massachusetts, shev/b ihe irriDerfeccion of even 
the best ol men, and their liahiiiiy to error. 
The zeal of our ancestors to d< -rive their fellow 
emigrvams of those sacred rights, which tney had 
made such sacrifices to obtain ; tlieii' drawins: 

* Hazard's Fii-st Collect, vol.i. p. 540. 



48 iTistori/ of Nexv-England. 

tlie sword of persecution in the wilderness, so 
soon after they had fled from its po^^"ers, marks 
their characters with apparent inconsistency. 
But when we consider the political theories of 
that agCy, that it was almost universally thought 
to be the duty of civil magistrates to use coer- 
cive measures, to promote uniformity in tlie or- 
dinances and doctrines of leligion. When we 
also consider their reasonable dread of the inter- 
ruption of that religious harmony which had 
given energy to all their enterprizes ; we readi- 
ly discover a solution of their conduct in the 
frailty of our species. And while we commis- 
erate the severity of their trials, we are compel- 
led to admire, and should be induced to imitate 
their conspicuous virtues, and to adore the wis- 
dom of divine providence in rendering their big- 
otry subservient to the great design of extend- 
ing the New-England settlements.- 

CHAPTER V. 

1637—1645. 

Of the JFar with the Pequod Indians, Cam bridg^ ' 
College founded. Of the Union of Nexv- Hamp- 
shire with Massachusetts. The Province of 
Maine sub7nits to Massachusetts'' Jurisdictio7u 
Settlement of Martha'' s Vineyard. The civil 
JFar in Eyig land puts a stop, for the present^ 
to the further increase of the Plantations* 
Extract from Gov ernour JVinthrop''s Address 
to the People. 

1. V V HEN our ancestors liad, with un- 
eonquered perseverance, surmounted the obsta-- 



History of Nciv- En gland. . 4y 

icrs to their first 'settlement, they had' still an, 
arduous task to secure themsehes from the 
malevolence and jealousy of the natives. They _ 
had taken every precaution to avoid a war ; and: 
the intei'position of di^'ine providence, was "sisi- 
ble in restraining: the savac:es from destrovino: 
their infant settlements. 

2. In the spring of 16 3^0 J the Indian tribes . 
from the Narragansets to the eastward, entered 
into a grand conspiracy to extirpate the English. 
But their plot was discovered to the people of 
Charlestown by John Sagamore, who had always 
been a w^arm friend to the colonists ; and the 
preparations w^hich were made to prevent any 
such fatal surprise in future, terrified the Indians 
in such a degree that they relinquished their de- 
sign. 

3. At length, w^hen the colonists liad acquir- -igq. 
ed some degree of strength, they were involved 

in a war with the Pequods ; the most povvcrful 
and warlike of the tribes of Indians who then 
inhabited Connecticut, Thev had the saeticiiv 
to foresee their own ruin in the extension of 
the English settlements ; and the disposition 
excited by this apprehension had displa^j^ed itself 
in various acts of hostility. 

4. The alarming situation of their aflairs in- 
ducedthe Pequods to seek a reconciliation with 
their ancient enemies, the Narragansets. The}- 
ure:ed them to for^'ct their former animosity, 
and represented that one magnanimous effort 
would vrith facilit}-, and v/ithout danger, oblige 
the strangers to abandon the lands, v. hich tliey 
had seized with such avidity. They expressed 



50 History of NtnU'E?igIand. 

1637 their apprehensions, that without their friendly' 
assistance both tribes would be destroyed. 
These cogent reasons had such an effect on the 
NaiTaganset Indians that they began to waver,. 
But as they had recently been engaged in war 
with the Pequods, the love of revenge so con- 
genial to the savage mind, overpowered all in- 
terested motives, and induced them to join the 
English.^ 

5. Actuated by the most inveterate hatred to ' 
th e colonists, the Pequods surprised and killed 
several of the settlers on Connecticut river. A- 
larmed at these hostile proceedings, the colo- 
nies of Massachusetts, Plymouth, and Con- 
necticut, agreed to march with united forces 
into their country, and effect the entire destruc- 
tion of the whole tribe. The troops of Con- 
necticut on account of their vicinity to the ene- 
my, were first in. motion. The army sailed 
from Connecticut river to the Narraganset coun- 
tiy, where they were joined by five hundred 
of that tribe,. 

6.: The Pequods were entrenched in two- 
strong forts, in one of which was Sassacus, the 
chief sachem, a prince of a haughty indepen- 
dent spirit. The other was situated on the banks 
©f Mystic river. Against this fort it was final- 
ly determined to make the first assault. One 
of the Pequods who resided with the Narragan- 
sets, conducted the army in their march to the 
destruction of his countrymen. 

* Hubbard's Narrative of the Indian Wars, page 21. 
Qhalmers, page 290. 



History of Nexv- England, , 51 

7. The attack commenced on the morning 1637 
of the 22d of May. The Indians after a naid- 
night revel were buried in a deep and secure 
sleep. The barking of a dog discovered the 
approach of their enemies. The battle was 
w^arm and bloody ; and though the Pequods de- 
fended themselves with the spirit of a people 
contending for their country and existence, yet 

the English gained a complete victory. The 
fort was taken, about seventy wigwams were 
burnt, and five or six hundred Indians perished. 
Of all who belonged to the fort, seven only es- 
caped, and seven were made prisoners. * 

8. Soon after this action, the troops from 
Massachusetts commanded by Capt. Stoughton, 
arrived, and it was resolved to pursue their 
victory. Several skirmishes took place, which 
terminated unfavourably to the Pequods. A 
large number of Indians who had concealed 
themselves in a swamp near Pairiield, were sHr- 
rounded by the English. A sachem, with 
about two hundred old men, women, and chil- 
dren, came voluntarily and surrendered. Terms 
of peace were offered to the others, which the 
Pequod warriors rejected with disdain, and up- 
on the renewal of hostihties, fought w^ith obsti- 
nate bravery. A total defeat however was giv- 
en them, which put a period to the war. 

9. Sassacus and a number of his attendants 
fled to the Mohawks, by whom diey were treach- 
erously murdered. Many of the Pequods were 
taken captive, and about seven hundred de- 

* Hutcliinson, vol i. paga 53. 



52 History of Nexv-Eii gland. 

stroyed. Tliis successful expedition terrified" 
the remaining Indians to such a degree, as to 
restrain them iVom open hostihties nearly forty 
years.* 

10. Though surrounded with dangers and 
embarrassed with a variety of difficulties, our 
ancestors paid great attention to the interests of 
learning. *' They made an early provision by 
law, that every town consisting of so many Him- 
ilies, should be always furnished with a gram» 
mar school ; and subjected those towns wdiich 
were destitute of a grammar school- master for 
a few^ months to a heavy penalty." 

11. In the j^eai' 1637, the general court of 
Massachusetts contemplated a public school at 
Newtown ; and appropriated four hundred 
pounds for that object. But Mr. John Har- 
vard, minister of Charlestown, dvin"; tw^o years 
after, increased this sum by the addition of a 
great part of his estate, ^^alued at se^'en or eight 
hundred pounds. Thus endowed, this school 
was exalted to a college, and assumed the name 
of its first benefactor. Newtown \^■as changed 
to Cambridge, in compliment to the college, 
and in memory of the place where many of our 
fathers received their education, f 

12. After the college was erected, a foun- 
dation ^vas laid for a public library. Several 
English gentlemen made valuable presents, both 
of books, and mathematical instruments, to this 
«ew seminary of learning. In the year 1640, 
the general court granted the income of Chaiies- 

* Hubbard, p. 41. t Hubbard, p. 4!. 



IJ'istory of Neiv -England, 53 

town ferry as a perpetual revenue to the college ; 
and Rev. Hcniy Dunster was appointed lirst 
president.* 

13. In 1642, the college was placed under 

the sHperintendance of the governour, deputy- » 

governour, magistrates, and ministers of the 
SIX adjacent towns, who, with the president, 
constituted die board of overseers. The first com- 
mencement was this year holden at Cambridge. t 

14. In 1650 the college received its first 
charter from the general court, appointing a 
corporation, consisting of seven persons, viz. a 
president, five fellows, and a treasurer, to have 
perpetual succession by election to their offices. 
Their style is, " The President and Fellows of 
Harvard College." To this body were sub- 
mitted all the affairs of the college, and they 
have the care of all donations and bequests 
to the institution. After this charter was grant- 
ed, the board of overseers continued a distinct 
branch of the government ; and these two bodies 
form the legislature of the college 4 

15. In the meantime the Nev/- England col- 
onies were rapidly increasing, and new settle- 1651 
ments continually formed. In 1637 the town 

of Dedham was incorporated, and Medfield ia 
1650 made a town ship. § New townships were 
also formed, and churches gathered in the oher 
colonies. 

16. Four distinct governments, (including 

one at Kitterj-, on the north side of the river) 1646 
were formed on the several branches of Piscat- 
aqua. These being only voluntary associations, 

* Neal, vol. i. p. 202. t Holmes' Amorican Annals. 

\ Morses Geography, vol. i. p. 416. ^ Belknap, vol. i.p. 54. 

F 



54 History of Nexv- England. 

and liable to be broken or subdivided on the 
iirst popular discontent, there could be no safety 
in their continuance. The most considerate 
among them advised to apply to Massachusetts, 
and solicit tlieir protection. The following year 
the settlements voluntarily submitted themselves 
to the jurisdiction of that government, upon 
condition that they might enjoy the same privi- 
leges. An union having been formed between 
the settlements on the riscataqua, and the col- 
ony of Massachusetts, their history for the suc- 
ceeding forty years is in a great measure blended. 

17. In the year 1641 Sii Ferdinando Gorges 
incorporated the plantation of Georgeana* into 
a city, to be governed by a mayor and eight 
aldermen ; his cousin, Thomas Gorges, was 
appointed mayor of the city, but had no succes- 
sor in the office. The civil dissentions in Eng- 
land, with the subsequent events, obliged Sir 
Ferdinando to relinquish the idea of obtaining 
a general government over the colonies. He 
Had ever been a lirm royalist, and engaged per- 
sonally in the service of the crown, till his own 
ruin was involved in that of the royal cause 
which he espoused. From the commencement 
of the civil wars. Gorges neglected the concerns 
of his plantation. The towns in the province 
of Maine fell into a state of confusion. Most of 
the commissioners who had been appointed to 
govern the province, deserted it ; and the 
remaining inhabitants were, in 1649, obliged 
to combine for their own security. f 

18. The colony of Massachusetts embraced 
this opportunity to induce the inhabitants to sub- 

• Tkis city is now called York, f Sullivan's hist. Maine, p. 238. 



History of N<nv -England, 5S 

mit to their jnrisdiction ; and as on encourage- 
ment to this measure, admitted them to be free- 
men upon taking the oath of allegiance, Avithout 
requiring them to be of the commuion of any- 
church. After this province had submitted to 
Massachusetts, in 1652 it was made a county 
by the name of Yorkshire, and the towns sent 
representatives to the general court at Boston. 
Though the measure was strenuously opposed 
by some men of eminence among them, the 
people in general were contented, and derived 
considerable advantages from the new arrange- , 
ment. 

19. So great was the diligence and industry 1642 
of the New- England planters, that they had al- 
ready settled fifty towns and villages, erected 
between thirty and forty churches, and a larger 
number of parsonage houses. They, had built 

a castle, forts, prisons, &.c. and -had founded a 
college, all at their own expense. They had 
furnished themselves with comfortable dwelling- 
houses, hud laid out gardens, orchards, corn- 
fields, pastures, and meadows, and lived under 
the regular administration of their own govern- 
ment and laws.* 

20. The population of the country increased 
with such rapidity, that it was time to take pos- 
session of the islands upon the coast. Mr. May- 
hew having obtained a grant of Martha's Vine- 
yard, Nantucket, and Elizabeth's Isles, settled 
his son in the former of these islands, with a 
small number of 'planters. 

21. The civil wars which raged in England 
during the reign of Charles I., retarded, for a. 
time, die increase of the colonies, and occasioned 

* Neal, vol. I p. 118. 



56 History of New-Englajid, 

the death of the king, the overthrew of the 
monarchical go\ ernment, and ecclesiastical hier- 
archy. Though ihe settlers of New-England 
were on the parliament side, their situation pre- 
cluded them from taking an active part ; and 
they enjoyed the blessings of peace and plenty, 
while they were distant spectators of the miser- 
ies of their native country.* 
1645 2^. The aiTairs of New-England were, at 
tliis period, m so flourishing a situation, that the 
people were intoxicated with prosperit}', and 
the liberty they enjoyed threatened their ruin. 
In some of the internal divisions which agitated 
Massachusetts, Mr. Winthrop was charged, 
while deputy -governour, with some arbitrary 
conduct. He defended hhnself at the bar, in 
the presence of a vast concourse of people, and 
having been honourably acquitted, addressed 
them afterwards from the bench, f in a speech 
which has been said *' to equal any thing in an- 
tiquity, whether we consider it as coming from 
a philosopher or a magistrate." J 

23. The following extract from governour 
Winthrop's address tends to illustrate the po- 
litical opinions of that day. '* The questions,'* 
said he, " whicii have troubled the country of 
late, have been about the authority of the ma- 
gistrate, and the liberty of the people. Magis- 
tracy is certainly an appointment of God, and 
I intreat you 'to consider that you choose your 
rulers from among yoarselves, and that we take 
an oath to govern you according to God's laws, 
and the laws of our country, to the best of our 
skill ; if we commit errours, not willingly, 

* See Goldsmitli's Hist. Eng". \ Wasliington's Life. 

I Universal History. 



, . History of New -England, 57 

but for want of ability, you ought to bear with 
us. Nor would I have you mistake your own 
liberty. There is a hberty in doing what we 
list, without regard to law or justice ; this liber- 
ty is indeed inconsistent with authority ; but 
civil, moral, federal liberty, consists in every 
one's enjoying his property, and having the 
benefit of the laws of his country ; this is what -j^.^q 
you ought to contend for, with the hazard of ^ 
your lives ; but this i^ very consistent with a 
due subjection to the civil magistrate, and paying" 
him that respect which his character requires." 

24. This excellent address was of equal 
benefit to the reputation of Mr. Winthrop, and 
the peace of the colony. It settled him firmly 
in the esteem and affections of the people, and 
the general court ; and by his well-timed con- 
descension, he became more povv-erful than ever. 
New- England was, at this period, in a state of 
perfect tranquillity, which was used for the con- 
version of the Indians, an account of which 
will be given in the subsequent chapter^ 

25. From the facts related in this chapter^ 
we learn, thai one prominent trait in the charac- 
ter of our ancestors, was the attention they paid 

to the education of the rising generation. ''They 1539 
were," says an eminent author,^ " convinced by 
their knov/ledge of human nature, derived from 
history and their own experience, that nothing 
could preserve their posterity from the encroach- 
ments of tyranny, but knowledge diffused gene- 
rally through the whole body of the people. 
Their civil and religious principles therefore 
conspired to prompt them to use every mea- 

* Adams on the Feudal and Canon Law. 
F 2 



58 History of Nexv-Eiigland. 

sure, and take every precaution in their power, 
to propagate and perpetuate knowledge." 

26. The object of our ancestors in founding 
a college, was to enlist science and religion un- 
der the same banners, to guard against the dis- 
advantage of an illiterate ministry, and to qual- 
ify their sons to act their part well, in whatever 
profession they might engage. Let us of the 
present age be instructed by their example, to 
guard against the prejudices of ignorancCj and 
under their wise institutions, improved as they 
have been by succeeding generations, let us be 
careful to acquire a competent fund of informa- 
tion for the correct discharge of the duties of 
our respective situations in society. Young 
people have the weightiest motive-s to stimulate 
them to the acquisition of knowledge. It tends 
to make them more useful in the world, to en- 
lighten them in the paths of virtue, and, by ex- 
panding their minds, to render them more capa- 
ble of the enjoyments of the heavenly state. 



CHAPTER VI. 

1646—1695. 

Of the Natives of New -En gland , and their con- 
version to Christianity by Rev. Mr. Eliot. A 
society is established for propagating the Gos- 
pel in New -England. The town of Natick 
built. An Inxlian Church formed. Conver- 
sion of the Indians at Martha'* s Vineyard, and 
at Flmnouth. Number of Indian Churches. 




1. V V HEN the European adventurers 
Erst settled in New-EngUuid, tlie natives were 



Hhtory of New -En gland, 59 

a wild and savage people. Their mental pow- 
ers were \\ holly uncultivated ; and they were 
immersed in the thickest gloom of ignorance 
and superstition, 

2. Their religious ideas w^ere extremely 
weak and confused. They admitted, however, 
the existence of one Supreme Being, whom they 
denominated the great spirit, the great man a- 
bove, and appeared to have some general but 
very obscure ideas of his government, provi- 
dence, universal power, and dominion. They 
believed him to be a good behig, and paid a 
sort of acknowledgement to him for plenty, vic- 
tory, and other benefits. 

3. But they stood in greater awe of another 1637 
power, which they called Hobomocho, in Eng- 
lish, the devil, and worshipped him merely from 

a principle of fear. 

4. The immortality of the soul was univer- 
sally believed among the Indian tribes. Hence 
it was their general custom to bury with the 
dead their bows, arrows, spears, and some veni- 
son, which they supposed w^ould be beneficial 
to them in a future state. 

5. They believed in a number of subordi- 
nate deities. Their priests began and dictated 
their religious worship, and the people joined 
alternately in a laborious exercise, till they were 
extremely fatigued, and the priests exhausted 
even to fainting. They had neither temples, 
altars, nor any fixed seasons for devotional ex- 
ercises. 

6. One of the prominent traits in the char- 
acter of the Indians, is an unextinguishable thirst 
for revenge. In w^ar <* the manly defence of an 
enemy inspires only revenge, and bravery con- ' 



60 History of New-England* 

quered shares the same fate with timid resis- 
tance." The miseries they inflict on their un- 
fortunate captives exhibit a dreadful picture of 
the savage ferocity of which human nature is 
capable.* 
1646 7. The planters of New- England were as- 
siduously engaged in endeavouring to effect their 
conversion to Christianity. This was one of 
the obligations of their patent, and one of the 
professed designs of their settlement. Among 
those, who exerted themselves with the greatest 
energy in this work, Rev. John Eliot, of Rox- 
bury, claims a distinguisl^ed rank ; and he was 
styled the apostle of the American Indians. 

8. In order to prosecute tliis benevolent de- 
sign, he applied himself with persevering dili- 
gence to studying the Indian language, and be* 

1664 came so complete a master of it, as to publish 
"'an Indian grammar. Thus prepared he began 
on tlie 28th of October to instruct the natives in 
the christian religion at Nonantum, which at 
present is included in the town of Newton. The 
Indians welcomed his arri\'al, heard him with 
attention, and asked a variety of questions res- 
pecting the important subjects of his discourse. 

9. Encouraged by this favourable reception, 
Mr. Eliot exhibited his disinterested concern 
for their salvation, by frequently preaching to 
the different tribes and by framing catechisms 
in their dialect, to instruct them in the princi- 
ples of the christian religion j by endeavouring 
to civilize their manners ; by procuring the 
establishment of schools ; and by supplying 

* See. Neal's histoiy of New-England, and Roger Williams* 
Key to the Lang^iag-e of tht Indians in New-Engiand. 



History of New-Erigland. 61 

them with suitable school-books, which he trans- 1537 
iated into their lanQ:uaQ:e.* 

iO. Ill his ministerial capacity he travelled 
through all parts of Plymouth and Massachu- 
setts, as far as Cape- Cod. In these fatiguing 
excursions he suffered innumerable insults ; and 
his life was in continual danger from the invet- 
erate enmity of the Indian princes and priests, 
who would undoubtedly have effected his de- 
struction, if they had not been awed by the 
power of the English colonies. 

11. Notwithstanding various discourage- 
ments, the christian religion spread both in 
Massachusetts and Plymouth. The new con- 
verts, : who were distinguished by the name of 
the praying Indians, after they renounced pagan- 
ism, abandoned their savage way of living, and 
imitated the habits and manners of their civiliz- 
ed neighbours.! 

12. After Mr. Eliot had continued his be- 
nevolent labours several years, certain pious 
people in England assisted him by their gener- 
ous donations. And in 1649 the British parlia- 
ment passed an act incorporating a number of 
persons, by the name of the *' President and 
Society for propagating the gospel in New-Eng- 
land," empowering them to receive such sums 
of money as could be collected by the liber ality 
of those who were interested in promoting the 
conversion of the Indians. Bv authority of this 
act so large a collection was made in all the 
parishes in England, that the society w^-^en- 
abled to purchase an estate in land of between 
iive and six hundred pounds a year. 

• Mather, p. 197. \ Gookin's Historical Collections, 



63 History cf New-EnglamL 

13. Upon the restoration of king Charles 
IL they solicited and obtained a new charter, 
by which they were made a body corporate, 
mid empowered to appoint commissioners re- 
siding in New^ England, to ti*ansact affliirs relat- 
ing to the benevolent design of converting the 
Indians. The charter substituted a governour 
for a president, and the hon. Robeit Boyle was 
elected to that office. 

14. In 1650 the corporation were at the ex- 
pense of erecting another building near the for- 
mar college, in order to give the Indians a liberal 
education, But though a few of them were 
there educated, yet it was found impracticable 
to persuade the Indian youth to a love of liter- 
ature. 

15. This year a number of Mr, Eliot's con- 
1651 verts united, and built a town which tb^y called 

Natick. Having formed a settlement, and es* 
tablished a civil government, they were at length, 
after- a strict examination, formed into a regular 
church. Several other societies of praymg In- 
dians were also formed in the colony of Massa- 
chusetts. In 1664, Mr. Eliot accomplished the 
arduous work of translating the bible into the 
Indian language. His disinterested labours 
rendered him highly venerated and beloved by 

- . the new converts. 

1040 ^^^ While Mr. Eliot was converting the 
Indians within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, 
Mr. Mayhew, who had obtained a grant of 
Martha's Vineyard, and his son, a clergyman of 
dtstingurslied piety, were promoting the s^ime 
benevolent design in that place, and in Nantucket 
and Elizabeth's Isles. The first convert to 
Christianity in Martha's Vineyard was owe Hiac- 



IFistory of JVew-JSngland. 63 

comes, a man of about thirty years of age. His 
religion exposed him to the conte^mpt of his 
countrymen, till, in the year 1645, a general 
sickness prevailed in the island, from which 
Hiaccomes and his family were exe mpted. The 
IiKlians were induced by the event to alter their 
conduct, and a number of them requested Hiac- ^ 
comes to instruct them in the christian religion. 

17. Some titne after, the sachem sent for 
Mr. Mayhew, and requested him in his own 
and his people's names, to teach them the prin- 
ciples of Christianity, in the Indian language. 
Mr. Mayhew readily complied, and his labours 
were crowned with j^rreat success.* 

18. He pursued his design with unwearied 
application, for ten or fourteen years ; till at 
length, intending a short voyage to England, he 
sailed in 1657 ; but the ship and passengers 
were lost. His death was exceedingly lament- 
ed by his converts. In 1684 the Indians had 
ten stated places for publick worship in Mar- 
tha's Vineyard.* 

19. Mr. Roger Williams endeavoured to 
convert the natives of Rhode- Island to the chris- 
tian religion > but his exertions were in general 
frustrated> The labours also of Rev. Mr. Fitch, 
among the Connecticut Indians, were not at- 
tended with the desired success. 

20. Mr. Richard Bourne preached the gos*- 
pel to the Indians at Plymoudi ; and was in- 
strumental in converting large numbers. In 
1684 the praying Indians in this colony had ten 
■worshipping assemblies ; and in the following 
year the number of individuals v.-as computed 

* Mayhew's letter to the Corporation, 1631. 



137 



64 History of Nexv-England. 

to be fourteen hundred and thirty-nine, besides 
children under twelve years of age.* 
,21. .A letter from Mr. Increase Mather to 
Dr. Leusden, of Utncht, dated 1687, gives an 
idea of the progress of the gospel among the 
Indians for twenty years. In this letter he says 
tliat **triere are six churches of baptized In. 
dians in New- England, and twelve assemblies 
of catechumens. There are twenty-four In- 
dian preachers, and four English ministers, who 
preach, in the Indian language." 

22. Dr. Cotton Mather asserts, that in the 
year 1695, there were three thousand adult In- 
dians converted in the islands of Martha's Vine- 
yrr d and Nantucket. That there were three 
churches in Nimtucket, and five constant assem- 
blies. That in Massachusetts alone, there were 
above thirty Indian congregations, and more 
than tliree thousand converts ; and that their 
numbers were very considerable in other parts 
of the countr}\ 

23. It does not appear that the christian 
Indians returned to paganism, but that they 
gradually wasted away, till at length they be- 
came almost extinct. 

24. The ignorance and darkness of the na- 
tives of Nev/- England, and the savage ftiooity 
of their character teach us duly to appreciate 
the inestim'ible advantage of being educHted and 
early instructed in the christian religion. The 
spirit of revenge, which education and habit 
conspire to strengtlien in the savage state, is 
productive of the most pernicious ciiects in so- 
ciety ; and exhibits, in a striking manner, the 

* Mayhew's letter to the Corporation, 1631. 



' ' History of J^'exu-EiiglancL 6 S 

inconceivable degree of barbarity of which hu- 
man nature is capable, when destitute of the 
refinements of polished society, and the restraints 
of reason and religion. Christianity has civil- 
ized the w'orld, exalted tli€ human intellects, 
softened the ferocity of war, taught us compas- 
sion towards our enemies, and strengthened ev- 
ery social tie. Such are its advantages :. with 
respect to this state, ^\ hich, however great, are 
small Avhen compared with those ^^•hich rcgaixl 
futuritv. ^' Life and immortalitv are brou<2'h.t 
to light by the gospel." That divine religion, 
which regulates our conduct, and pr£)mote^ our 
happiness in this world, exalts |us to the enjo^i 
ixient of eternal and unclouded felicitv in tl:c 
heavenly state. 

CHAPTER VIL 

1648— 1661* 

The Kexv- England Churches convene ti 'Synott, 
Tfie'ir Platform of Church Government, The 
Colonies establish a Codeof'Ijaws. Death 
and Character of Gov ernoiir Winthr op. Per- 
secution of the Baptists anfl t^ilakers, Foizlt 
Q_uake?'s put to death ifi, Bosthri, King 
Charles IL piits a stop to the Execution of 
these sanguinary Laws, 

\, JL HE religious inhabitants of >?ew- 
l^mgland were solicitous to establish the faith 
'A\\(^i order of their churches upon what they sup- 
posed to he the scripture foundatiori. Foi-'lhis 
G 



C-U 



66 History of JVexv- England. 

purpose a s}-nocl c©n\ened at Cambridge in 
1646^ vviiich, having adopted the confession of 
faivh, published by the assembly of divines at 
Westminster, ^ehose three. celebrated clergj-men 
t9l6rm separately a planof chiu'ch government. 
Xlieseperibrmances were presented to the ^ynod 
for. jtlieir'revision and correction/ and from these 
the Cajnib'ridg^e platform was collected, Vihieh 
^Deiog. approved by the majority of the synod, 
was, recoiinmehded Co the general court and to 
the- chiirches.* 

,% The" fundamental article in this platform 
is^ that each particular church has authority from 
Chrisrt, l<)r exercising government and enjoying 
all the oTdiiiances of worship within itself. Ec- 
clesiastical councils were to be convoked for 
udMce on emcrsfent occasions. It v/as also 
maintained in the platform, that the offices of 
pastors, teachers, and ruling elders were dis- 
tinct. Pastors were to attend to exhortation, 
and teachers to doctrine ; yet both vrere to ad- 
/miniver ordinances.. Ruling elders we're, in a 
,^p'^odal"maniier^ to assist the pastors and teach- 
.ers in the ^discipline of the church. 
^,.^^■3. While tlie colonies were increasing in 'j, 
.^^lumbers 2inCi settlements; -regular codes of laws ■ ' 




of 

Api;ii"l643, considerable progress: \i^as made 

; * Matlier, book V. p. 22. 

'I The synod met in 1646, ^nd protracted its session, by ad- 
''jbyrnpients, to tive year 1648, when it was dissolved. The 
fji^mstefs and churches at Coiytecticiit and New-Haven were , 
present at the 'spiod and united in the form of discipline | 
'.vhich it recommended. 



I'listory of New -England. 67 

in the laws of the colony. Deputies w/ere sent 
to the general, court, and an addition" v^^IlS m^de 
to the number of magistrates. " ' ' 

4. In 1647, the general assembly of Rhocfc- 
Island established a code of la\vs agreeable -to 
the EHf>iish statutes, and erected a form of civil 
government for die administration of 'those laws^ 
and for enacting such others as should be found 
necessary. *' A court of commissioners con-' 
sistLiig of six persons chosen by. eaCh of the 
four towns of Providence, Portsmouth,' New- 
port and Warwick w^xit invested with tbje le^is^ 
lative authority. The whole executive pq\\^i^; 
apoears to have been invested in- a' presi'dent 
and four assistants chosen by -the freeiiiq'i, in 
their several towns^ aiid'constituting the mgr^^i^ 
court for the adminisU'ation of justice.'**'' '■;'^' ', 

5. The following year the colony (£ Massd:? 1643 
chusetts first published its code of laws.^ A*t 

the request of tlie general camt; iiev'!^j6ffl 
C otton had compiled a ' system , ' iQuiici^S' tlii^y 
on the laws of Moses, which was'^itblisjieam 
London ,1643. This abstract jwas Coil siddf-^df 
by the legislative body as tlje general^fatictard;* 
though they never formally adopted It, 'aftd ^f ^i? 
varied from it in many instances. Thev^~^fo-. 
fessed to follow Moses' plan, so. far only Ss:'^ 
was of a moral nature, and cbligatiji^'dii'a^ 
mankind, f 



ff[ \'7i.L -yjiii.X) 



* Holmes' American Annals. ^ w, •_, a 

t It was the opinion of the first planters:, noii-OTjly olTM'iiijJsa- 
chusetts, but of Plymouth, New-Haven and Gonnectici/t, th^t 
as the ancient platform of God's law, was granted on prlnciple>^ 
of moral equity, *• all men, especially cliristiansj oug-ht'to^havc 
an eye to it, in the forming- of their political con&tituti.nn?/? 
See Hutchinson's coilectioa cf papers, p, 160. . ,„';'" , f 



68 Histonj of Nexv-Eji gland, 

1649 6. At the session of the general court of 
Connecticut", a code of laws \^as established, 
and this colony had the appearance of a AvelU 
regulated commonwealth. Until this time pun- 
ishments,, in many instances, had been left w hol- 
ly to the discretion of the court. But from 
this period, the law's iu general became fixed, 
and the punishments of particular crimes w^ere 
specified, so that delinquents might know^ what 
lo expect, whendiey had *he temerity to trans- 
gress. 

7. The celebrated John Winthrop, esq. died 
about the beginning of diis year, aged 63. His 
death was greatly lamented in Massachusetts, 
and he was styled the father of the colony. He 
waseducated in the profession of the law, in which 
he was eminent for his abilities and integrity. 
The high place he held in the public esteem 
was evinced by his being appointed a justice of 
H^e peace at the cige of eighteen. When a 
number of influential characters formed the de- 
*$ign of rcrnoving to New-England, he put him- 
ai'tlie liead of the undertaking, and devoted his 
estate and strength to the public service. The 
inhabitants of I^Iassachusetts manifested tlieir 
high sense of his worth, by choosing him eleven 
times successively to be their governour. Pi'u- 
dence and justice marked his conduct in that 
station. He was distinguished for temperance, 
frugality, and economy ; and ever exhibited a 
Siuppeme regard for religion. The only errour, 
\vhich has been charged upon his administration, 
resulted from his maintaining the necessity of 
using coercive measures in religion. However, 
he finally rose superior to the. prejudices of the 



History of New -England, ^^^ 

age in which he lived, and in his dying n^c^ : 
ments feeUngly regretted that his conduct hold 
been tinged ^yith the; spirit of rehgious intpier- 
ance.^' : > 

8. The fatal effects, which were prodii-e^^, loSl 
by enforcing uniformity in religious worsljiip, 

are now to be related. This year some -of the 
inhabitants of Rehoboth adopted the sentiments 
of the baptists, withdrew from the established 
worship, and set up a separate meeting.,; Upr. 
on which Mr. Ob^diah Holmes, one >pf the; 
principal dissenters,. /wa^ .first admonished^,: and 
afterwards excomm)anicated by Rev. Mr* 'New-- 
man, minister of that town. Immediately af-, 
ter, he and two of his associates were cited to 
appear before the court at Plymouth ; by which 
the}r were ordered to desist from their separa- 
tion, and neither to ordain officers, administer the 
sacraments, nor assemble for public worship^ 
They viewed these restrictions as arbitrary vio^,. 
lations of their christian liberty; and^ resolved 
to act agreeably to the conviction of their con- 
sciences.! 

9. After remonstrances and threatei)ings were 
found to be ineffectuab the baptists were fined 
and imprisoned, aad even exposed to corporal; 
punishment. A law also was enacted by the. 
general court of Massachusetts^ by which upon 
their presisting in avowing their opinion^, and, 
endeavouring to make proselytes, they Vv"ere. 
sentenced to banishment. But neither this nor 
other severe penal laws, made gainst . sectaries, 

/ {.^'. . .. - 

* Hutchinson, vol. i. p. 151. 

t Backus' History of the Baptists. CWJi's Narrative of the 
New-England Persecution. 

G 3 



70' History of Nexv-Englandi 

could prevent the increase of this deriomina- 
ti-an.^ 

10. After the settlers of New-England had 
exerted themselves to suppress the baptists, they 
exhibited similar intolei;*ant principles in their be- 
hatioiir to the quakers. The first of this society 
w ho came into Massashusetts were Mary Fisher 
and Anna Austin, VkYio arrived from Barbadoes^ 
tlie beginning of July. The books which these 
women brought over were burnt by the com^ 
mon executioner, and they were committed to 
prison by the deputy-governour, and, after a- 
bout five weeks confinement, were sent back to 
^Baruadoes. 

11. Soon after iheir departure, eight others 
of the same persuasion arrived in Boston. Af- 
ter some examination they were sentenced to ban- 
ishment, and to be detained in prison until they 
could be conveyed out of the colony. They 
were imprisoned about eleven weeks ; during 
\\ hich time a law was enacted, which prohibited 
all masters, of vessels from bringing any quakers 
into the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, imder 
the penalty of one hundred pounds, and impri- 
sonment until payment thereof was made. It 
also decreed that any quaker coming into the 
country should be committed to the house of 
correction, severely whipped, constantly kept 
to hard labour, and debarred from all intercourse 
with any person whatever, until they could be 
transported. 

12. This ac^, and die banishnunt of the 
quaktrs, proving insufficient, ether sanguinary 

• A Bnptlst cburch \va«5 gatlicrefl in Boston hi 1665. See; 
Holmes' Araetican Annals. 



R ■ r 

History of Xexv-England, 71 

f 

laws were enacted, such as cutting off the ears, 

and boring the tongues with a hot iroi?. Through 

a mistaken zeal to extirpate heresy, these hu\'s 

were in various instances put in execution.* 

13. The severity with which this denomina- 
tion was treated, appeared rather to invite than 

to deter them from flocking to the colony. The 1557 
persecution exercised against them had a direct 
tendency to increase their numbers. People 
first compassionated their sufferings, admired 
the fortitude with which they endured them, and 
from these causes were induced to examine and 
embrace their sentiments. 

14. Large numbers in Boston, Salem and 
other pfaces joined this society. Their rapid 
increase induced the magistrates to resort to the 
last extremity, and to enact a law to banish 
them upon pain of death* Accordingly four 
quakers were executed in Boston in 1659. — 
Great opposition being made to this law, it was 
passed only by a majority of one person. f 

15. The colonies of Ply mouth, Connecticut, 
and New-Haven copied after Massachusetts in 
their treatment of the quakers, but did not car- 
ry their severity to such an extent, as to put 
any of them to death. 

16. These unhappy disturbances continued 1^61 
till the friends of the quakers in England inter- 
posed, and obtained an order from kmg Charles 

2d. requiring that a stop should be put to all 
capital or corporal punishment of his subjects 
culled quakers. This occasioned a suspension 
of the cruel laws whioh had been enacted against 

• History of the Qiiakers. ^ Hutchinson, vol i. p. 198, 



72 History of Nexv-England. 

them, so far as they respected corporal punish- 
ment or death. 

17. To us who live in an enlightened age, 
where the principles of religious toleration are 
clearly understood, the conduct of the early 
settlers of New- En gland must appear truly as- 
tonishing ; and we may be led to asperse them 
\vith unmerited censiue. In reviewing the 
conduct of those who have appeared on the 
theatre of life before us, we ought ever to con- 
sider the influence which the prevailing prejudi- 
ces of the age in which they lived must natural- 
ly have had upon their minds. ' It was late 
before the true grounds of liberty of conscience 
were known by any party of christians. The 
bloody persecutions in the annals of "popery 
fill the mind with hon'or ; and vv e find traits 
of the same intolerant spirit in the conduct of 
the reformers. 

18. The church of England, by enforc- 
ing uniformity in religion, had dri\^en the 
puritans to seek an asylum in die new world, 
where, after suftering various hardships, they 
had established a religious system to which 
they were firmly attached, influenced by the 
prejudices of education, they considered it as a 
duty to suppress those religious tenets which 
they supposed diametrically opposed to Chris- 
tianity, and subversive of the peace and happi- 
ness of the newly established colonies. The 
principles they liad imbibed appeared to them 
in a light so importajit, that they took every 
precaution to transmit them pure [and uncor- 
rupted to the latest posterity. ^ 



History of New -England. 59 

1 9. A review of the distressing scenes, which- 
persecution has occasioned both in Europe and 
America, ought to inspire our minds with the 
most Hvely gratitude to diviiic ProN'idence for 
the entire liberty of conscience, which is at. pres^ 
ent enjoyed ii^ each indi\'idual state, and the se- 
curity of which constitutes a distioguished ex- 
cellence in the federal constitution. 



CHArXER VIII. 

1661—1679. 

The Colonies congratulate King Charles II. on his 
I{estoratio7i. Of the third Si/nod in New- 
England. Connecticut and JVew-Haven are 
united by a Charter. Of the Charter grant- 
ed to Rhode -Is land. Four Commissioners sent 
to Nexv-England by the King. 



..s 



OON after the restoration of Charles 
II. the general court of Massachusetts dispatch- 
ed Simon Bradstreet, esq. and Rev. John Npr- 
ton, with a loyal address of cciu^ratulation to his 
majest}^ in which they endeavoured to justify 
the conduct of the colony, and petitioned for 
the continuance of their civil and religious priv- 
ileges. The reception of the agents was fa- 
vourable, and they returned next autumn with 
the king's answer to their address, in w hich he 
confirmed the charter, and promised to renew 
it under tlie great seal. He also granted pardon 
to his subjects for all treasons committed during 



74 History of New-EnglancT. 

the late troubles, those only excepted who were 
attainted by act of parliament. 

2. The king however required that the ge- 
neral court should review its ordinances, and 
r-epeal such as were repugnant to the royal ou- 
thority; that the oath of allegiance should be 
duly administered to every person, that justice 
should be administered in his name ; tliat all 
w^ho desired it should be permitted to use the 
book of common pra3^er, and perform their de- 
votions accordina:to the ceremonies of the church 
of England ; and that free -holders of competent 
estate, not vicious, should be allowed to vote 
in the election of officers civil and military, though 
of different persuasions respecting church gov- 
ernment ; and finally, that this letter should be 
published.* 

"3. Many of the requisites contained in the 
king's letter were exceedingly disagreeable to our 
ancestors. At this session of the general court the 
only compliance with his orders, except publish- 
ing his letter, was the giving it directions that 
all the writs^ processes, &c. sliquld be in his 
majesty's name.. A committee was afterwards 
appointed to consider the propriety of conform- 
ing to the other particulars, and liberty Vv'as giv- 
en to the clergy aitd other inhabitants to transmit 
tneir opmions. 

4. Whilst the colonies were alarmed with 
apprehensions for their civil liberties, their 
churches were agitated by religious coiitrover- 
sies. Great debates arose amons; the clers^-v, 
concerning the right of grand children of church 

*^ Hutchinson, vol. i. p. 219. 



Hktorij df Nexv -England, 75 

members to the sacrriment of baptism, whose 
immediate parents had not entered into the com- 
munion. This dispute commenced in the colo- 
ny of Connecticut^ and spread v;ith rapidity 
throuo-h Ne^^--Enoiand. * 

5. In order lo seitle the controverted points, 
the general court of Massachusetts convoked a 
-sinod, or general council of ail the churches, to 

be assembled at Bostop. The two leading 1(352 
questions -referred to their decision vere, 1st. 
Who are the subjects of -xaptism ? 2. Whether, 
-according to the vord of God, there ought to be 
a consociation of churches, and in ^\ h^t manner 
isuch a union should be formed ? 

6. L^ answer to the first question, the ma- 
jority ^f the synod d^ieed that the children of 
good moral parents who solemnly ov^aied the 
covenant before the church, tliough net m full 
communion, might be 'idmitted to baptism.* 

7. However, the council VvTre not unani- 
mous ; se^'eral learned and pious clergymen 
protested against the determination relative to 
baptism. Rev. Cha:'^les Chauncy, president of 
Harvard College, Mr, Increase Mather, and i\ir. 
Daven}X)rt wrote against the practice. It ^vas 
disapproved by all the ministeis in Nev -Ilav.ii, 
and numbers in Connecticut. The churches in 
general were more in opposition than th(& €ierg}% 

8. The general comt of Connecticut took no 
notice of the synod, nor of the dispute, but left 
the elders and churches at liberty to act accord- 
ing to their own sentiments. They were at- 
tempting to form an union with New- Haven, 

* Hutcluuson, vol, i.^^ -219. Mather's Mag^nalia. 



TS ITistory of New -England, 

and as the ministers and churches in that colo- 
ny were unanimous in their opposition to the 
synod, they probably judged it impohtic at that 
time to decide an}- thing relative to these eccle- 
siastical points.* 

9. ' Respecting the second question, the sy- 
nod agreed, that the churches ought to hold 
communion with, and assist each other in prayer, 
in communicating their gifts, in maintaining 
peace and unity, in settling controversies, in 
"ordaining and removing pastors and teachers, in 
admonishing one another, and in bearing their 
united testimony against vice and errour.f 

10. Connecticut and New-Haven had con- 
tinued two distinct governments for many 
years. At length the general court of Con- 
necticut determined to prefer an address to 
Chiirles IL professing their submission and 
k)valt\% and solicitinii: a roval charter. John 
Winthrop, esq.f who had been elected gov- 
•ernour, was appointed to negociate the affair 
with the kino;. He succeeded and obtained a 
charter, which constituted the tvro colonies 
one united commonwealth, i)y the name of the 
1662 governour and company of Connecticut. New- 

* Trumbull, vol. i. p. 325. f Mather, book v. p. 7^. 
% John Winthrop, eldc^it son of g-overnour Winthrop was born 
at Groton in Suffolk, 1605. He came to New-England with 
his father's family, 1634. After he obtained a charter which 
incorporated Connecticut and New-Haven, the people expressed 
their gratitude bv electing- him governour fourteen years togeth- 
er, till his death. His many valuable qualifications as a gentle- 
man^ a philosopher, a christian, and a public rider procured 
him the universal respect of the people under his government, 
and his unwearied attention to public business, and great under- 
standing in the art of government was of unspeakable advantage 
to them. He died iw the year 1676. See Belknap's American 
Biog^raphy. Vol. II. 



History of New -England. 77 

Haven at first deciined the union ; but in 
1665, all difficulties were happily settled.^ 

11. By the royal charter, every power legis- 
lative, judicial, and executive, was vested in 
the freemen of the corporation, or their dele- 
gates, and the colony was under no obligation 
to communicate the acts of their local legisla- 
ture to the king. The government v, hich they 
had previously exercised, was established, and 
when the other New- England states renovated 
their politics, the charter of Connecticut was 
continued as the basis of their unchanging poli- 
cy, and remains so to the present day.f 

12. The royal charter which was granted 1663 
to Rhode- Island and Providence plantations, 

the subsequent year, was similar to that of Con- 
necticut. They differed however in one res- 
pect. The charter of Connecticut was silent 
with regard to religion ; by that of Rhode- Island 
liberty of conscience was granted in its fullest 
extentf to all the different denominations of 

Protestants 4 

13. . From the commencement of the reign 
of Charles II. the general court of Massachusetts 
entertained alarming apprehensions of being de- 
prived of their privileges. These fears were in- 
creased by the king's issuing a commission to 1664 
four persons, one of whom was an inveterate 
enemy to the colony, to hear complaints an4 
appeals in military, civil, and criminal concerns, 

* See Charter of Connecticut in Trumbull's Histoiy. 

I See Charter of Rhode-Island. 

\ The Legislature of Rhode-Island, however, passed an act 
by which Roin an Catholics were excepted from eligibility to 
office. 

II 



78 History of A'^exv- England, 

and settle the peace and security of the country 
according: to their own discretion. 
1665 14. After the arrival of the commissioners, 
tlie general court altered the law, that all free- 
men should be church members ; and having 
resolved to bear true allegiance to then sover- 
eign, and adhere to their patent, they agreed 
upon an address to the king, in which they 
professed their loyalty, and asserted that they 
had exerted themselves to satisfy his majesty 
as far as they supposed consistent with their 
duty to God, and the just liberties and privi- 
leges of their patent. They considered the 
appointment of the commxissioners with the 
powers they possessed, to be an infringement of 
their charter privileges, \\'hich they declared 
were *' far dearer to them than life." They 
exhibited the same firmness and resolution in 
their conduct to tlie commissioners, who, after 
much altercation left the colony dissatisfied anei 
. enraged. ^ 

15. The commissioners were unsuccessful 
in Ccamecticut as well as Massachusetts, but 
were more favourably received in Plymouth and 
Rhode-Island. They set as a court at Provi- 
dence and Warwick, and spent some time in 

~ the colony," inquiring into the proceedings of 
the executive powers of the plantation, and hear- 
ing oompiaints from disaffected persons. 

16. \Vhen tiic commissioners arrived in 
\ New-Hampshire, they flattered a party who were 

dissatisfied \vith the Massachusetts government, 
with being freed from its jurisdiction, and pre- 

* Hutchinson, vol i, p. 229. 



" History of Xew- En gland. 79 

vailed on them to sign a petition to the king lbr^i665 
that purpose. But as the majority of the people 
exhibited a determined opposition to a separa- 
tion, the design proved abortive.* 

17. When the commissioners came to the 
province of Maine, the former claim under 
Gorgesf ^vas revived. They appointed courts 
and commi-ssioned magistrat',^s under the duke 
of York, and in the name of the king. This 
kind of government continued until the year 
1668, when some of the principal inhabitants 
being greatly oppressed with the tyranny of the 
commissioners, in their support of Gorges' claim, 
made application to the general court of Massa- 
chusetts, to take the country again under their 
protection and jurisdiction. 

18. When the commissioners had concluded 
their business, they were recalled by an order 
from the king. His majesty was highly dis- 
pleased with the treatment they received from 
the government of Massachusetts. Ry a letter 
to the colony, he ordered them to send over 
ibur or five agents, promising to heai' all the 
aUe!s:ations that could be made in their behalf, 
and intim.ating that he was far from desu^mg to 
invade their charter. He commanded that all 
things should remain as the commissioners had 

• Belknap, vol. i. page 106. 

t Ferdinando Gorges, grandson of Sir Ferdinando, attempted 
a settlement of the district of Maine under himself r.s lord pro- 
prietoi* ; soon after the restoration of Charles II. he obtained % 
letter from that king requiring immediate restitution, or reason 
for the contrary without delay. In a humble address the people 
excised their non-compliance, and attempted to offer reasona 
for their conduct. Mr. Gorges, however, appoiiiied officers in 
several parts of the province, whose authority was of short con- 
titiuaiice. See iiutchins»n'& History, vol. i. pa^c 25<», 



B6 Htstori/ of New 'England. 

settled them, till his farther orders; and that 
those persons who had been imprisoned for peti- 
tioning or applying to them, should be released."* 
19. The reception which the commissioners 
met with in the colonies, exhibits their strong 
aversion to arbitrary power. The inhabitants 
of New- England, says a late writer, may emphat- 
ically be said to bevborn fi-ee. They were settled 
originally upon the principle expressed at this 
day, in all their forms of government, ** that all 
men are born free, equal, and independent." f 



CHAPTER IX. 

1674_1679. 

Rise and Progress of the War with Philips 
King ,of the Wanipanoags, The Death of 
Philip puts a Pei'iod to Hostilities. His Char- 
acter. Of the War with the eastern Indians. 
Peace ratified with the Indian Tribes. Of 
the third Synod in Massachusetts. 

1. ^INCE the contest with the Pequod 
Indians, the terror of the English ai^ms had 
restrained the natives from hostilities. In the 
mean time, providence had smiled upon the 
New- England settlements, and multiplied their 
churches. The season was now arrived in 
. which the colonies were alarmed with the gloomy 
prospect of being again involved in an Indian 
war. 
1674 ^' ^^ ^^^ period, Philip, sachem of the 
Wampanoags, an artful and aspiring man, who 

* Hutcliinson, vol. i. p. 547? t SuUiywa, p. 285r 



History of Nexu-England, 81 

saw the Gontinual growth of the colonists with 
jealous apprehension, excited his countrymen to 
a general combination against them. He en- 
deavoured to conceal his hostile purposes, and 
M'hen his conduct excited suspicion, he gave the 
strongest assurances of his peaceable disposition. 
In the mean time he was secretly preparing lor 
war by obtaining ai-ms, and negociating with 
the neiehbourino: Indians. 

3. The war was precipitated by the revenge 
which Philip caused to be taken upon John 
Susaman, a christian Indian, Avhom the English 
had dispatched upon the Wampanoag mission. 
Having discovered the conspiracy of his coun- 
trymen, he revealed it to the governour of Ply- 
mouth ; and a short time after he was murdered. 
An Indian, who was accidentally on a hill at 
some distance, sav/ the murder committed. 
Upon his evidence and some other circum- 
stances, three Indians were apprehended, tried, 
convicted, and executed.* 

4. This event excited the keenest resentment 
in king Philip, and the Indians who resorted to 
him from various parts, stimulated him to com- 
mence hostilities. The alarming situation of 
affairs having induced the governour of Plymouth 
to proclaim a general fast, the Indians lying in 
an ambush, fired upon a number of the inliabi-" 
tants at Swanzey, who were returning from pub- 
lic worship, killed one man, and w^oiuided anoth- 
er ; and two men who were dispatched for a 
surgeon were intercepted and killed. The same 
night the Indians entered the town of Swan^.ey 
and killed six men. 

* Hutchinson, vol. i. pag-e 285. 
H 2 



82 History of Ke^w-England. 

1675 ^« ^s ^^ ^^''^^ "^^'^^ ^^^"^ inevitable, the gov- 
ernour of Plymouth demanded assistance of the 
confederated colonies. Accordingly, a com- 
pany of horse and foot from Massachusetts joined 
the Plymouth forces, at Swanzey, and making a 
resolute assault- which obliged the Indians to 
retreat with precipitation, took possession of 
Mount Hope, and ravaged the adjacent country, 

6. The Massachusetts forces marched into 
the NaiTaganset country, and compelled the in- 
habitants to renew their treaty with the English, 
and engage to exert themselves to destroy Philip 
and his adherents. In the mean time the Ply- 
mouth forces were sent to deter the Pocasset 
Indians from assisting him, but they had already 
taken an active part. 

7. Capt. Church of Plymouth colony with 
-^fty men was surrounded in a pease field by 

two hundred Indians, and notwithstanding the 
inequality of numbers, fought with invincible 
courage and resolution. At length he arrived 
at the water side, and defended himself behind 
a barracade of stones, till he was removed in a 
sloop to Rhode-Island, without the loss of one 
of his men. After refreshing his detachment 
he again engaged, and killed a number of the 
Pocasset Indians ^ the remainder retreated with 
terror,, and appeared no more in the open coun- 
try. 

8. After Capt. Churches detachment had 
joined the army, they received information that 
Philip and his men were in a swamp at Pocasset, 
and it was determined to besiege him. The 

• Church's account of PliiUp'a war, page 18. 



History of Kew- England, ^ 



n 



English army resolutely entered the thicket, but 1575 
when they had advanced a few paces, the Indians 
fired upon them from behind the bushes, and at 
one dischai'ge killed five, and mortally wounded 
six or seven of their number. This induced 
them to turn their attack into a blockade, which 
they formed with an hundred men, hoping that 
famine would oblige the Indian prince to surren- 
der. He had the address to bafile this attempt 
by crossing a river in the night, which the Eng- 
lish deemed impassible, and escaped into the 
Nipmuck country. 

9. After the Kipmuck Indians heard of 
Philip's arrival in their country, they fired upon 
and mortally wounded Capt. Hutchinson, who 
was sent to negociate with them, killed eight of 
his men, and obliged the rest to retreat with 
precipitation. Philip who was reinforced, pur- 
sued and drove a large number of these Indians 
into an house, which the Indians endeavoured 
to set on fire, but they were providentially pre- 
vented by a shower of rain. At length they 
were relieved by major Willard, who engaged 
the Indians with a small party, killed eighty, 
and forced Philip and his army to retreat.* 

10. The Indians in the several colonies were 
now roused to arms, and in this and part of the 
following year, their progress was marked with 
murder, fire, and desolation. Besides destroy- 
ing a large number of the English, they laid the 
towns of Mendon, Groton, and Warwick in 
ashes; burnt most of the houses in Deerfield, 1676 
half the town of Medfield, and a large number 

♦ Mather, book vii. p. 47. 



84 H'ist'07'y of New-Enghiid. 

of buildings in Rehoboth^ Pro\'idenGe, and scV- 
eral other places. 

11. On the other hand, large numbers of 
Indians were destroyed by the colonists ; par- 
ticularly when Philip and his army reti'eated into 

^ the Nairaganset country, the English pursued 
them and attacked a tort which the Indians 
deemed impregnable. The fort was burnt, the 
fortifications levelled ; seven hundred Indian 
warriors perished in the action, and three hun- 
dred warriors died of their wounds, besides a 
vast number of defenceless old men, women, 
and children, who had repaired to the fort for 
refuge. The English had six captains and 
eighty-five men killed ; and an hundred and fifty 
men wounded.* 

12. The victory depressed the spirits of the 
1676 Indians, and the loss of provisions in the foit 

reduced them to gi^eal distress. They howe^-ef 
/ continued their savage depredations, and kept 
the country in continual alarm and terror. It is 
reported that in order to gain the assistance of 
the Mohavr'ks, Philip endeavoured to irritate 
them against the colonists, by killing a number 
of their men, and persuading their prince that 
his subjects were murdered by the English. 
On^of the Indians, whom he left for dead, re- 
vived, returned home, and related the truth to 
his countrymen. Exasperated by this perfidious 
conduct, the Mohawks engaged in a war against 
Philip and his people, which- deranged all their 
measures. 

13. After this event, the arms of the colo- 
nists were in various instances crowned \^ ith 

* Mather, book vii. p. 30. 



History of New -En glared. 85 

success. One of Philip's allies, the queen of 1575 
Pocasset, on beinj^ suq^rised by the English, 
magnanimously animated her men to hold out 
to the last extremity ; but they meanly deserted 
her, and she was drowned by endeavouring to 
escape. 

14. As Philip was the soul of the Indian 
conspiracy, and on his life or death, war or peace 
depended, it was the grand object of the New- 
England forces to apprehend him. His situa- 
tion was at this time peculiarly distressing. He 
had lost his chief counsellors, his nearest rela- 
tions were made prisoners, and he was obliged 
to flee for safety from one swamp to another. 
At length one of his friends w^hom he had exas- 
perated by killing an Indian who presumed to 
mention to him an expedient for making peace, 
discovered the place where he was concealed. 
Capt. Church, on receiving this intelligence, 
went with a small party, and found him in a 
swamp near Mount Hope. He attempted in 
vain to escape ; one of his men whom be had 
offended, and who had deserted to the English, 
shot him through the heart. ^ 

15. Thus died Philip, sachem of the Wam- 
panoags, an implacable enemy to the English 
nation. He has been represented as a *' bold 
and daring prince, having all the pride, fierce- 
ness, and cruelty of a savage in his disposition, 
with a mixture of deep cunning and design." 
But that undaunted courage, energy of mind, 
and love of country which adorned his charac- 
ter, and which have immortalized monarchs in 

• Church's History of Philip's War. 



B6 ^ History of Nerv- En gland, 

the civilized world, have been httle celebrated 
in diis Indian prince ; and we ha^'e been led to 
contemplate only his vices, which, destitute of 
the colorings of polished life, appear in their 
native deformity. 

16. *' The death of Philip," says a late ex- 
cellent author, *' was the signal of compile te 
victory. The Indians in all the neighbouring 
countries now generally submitted to tlie Eng- 
lish, or fled, and incorporated themselves ^^ith 
distant and strange nations, in this short but 
tremendous war, about six hundred of the in- 
habitants of New- England, composing its prin- 
cipal strength, were either killed in battje, or 
murdered by the enemy; twelve or thirteen 
tov.r'ns were entirely destroyed ; and about six 
hundred buildings, chiefly dwellmg houses, were 
burnt. In addition to these calamities the colo- 
nies contracted an enormous debt, while by the 
loss of their substance, through the ravages of 
the enemy, their resources w^ere essentially di- 
minished." '^ 

17. About the same period in which Philip 
began hostilities in Piymouth colony, the eastern 
Indians were insultins: the inhabitants (»f New- 
Hampshire and the province of Tviaine. The 
fraudulent methods of tmding wiih the natives, 
aiid some other injuries, w^ere aliedged as the 
grounds of the w^ar. 

J 8. The Indians for some time dissembled 
their resentment, but the insurrection at Ply- 
mouth inspired them with courage, and they 
.spread distress and desolation in their extensive 

* Holmes' American Ar.uals, vol. i. p. 455. 



History of Ncxv-EiiglancL SX 

ravages. To describe the effects of the war in 1G76 
the words of an elegant author, *^ all the phmta- 
tions at Piscataquli, with the whole eastern coun- 
try, were now filled with fear and confusion ; 
business was suspended, and every man was 
obliged to provide for his own and his family-s 
safety. The labour of the field was exchanged 
for the duty of the garrison ; and they, who had 
long lived in peace and security, were upon their 
guard night and day, subject to continual aku'ms, 
and the most fearful apprehensions." ^' 

19. Notwithstanding a peace was concluded 
witli the natixes the following year, they soon 
renewed their hostile attacks, which induced the 
government of Massachusetis to send a body of 
tx'oo]3s to the eastwai'd. They surprised four 
hundred Indians at Cochecho in the house of 
major Waldron. These, who had previously - 
joined in concluding the peace, wcre^ismisocd ; 
and d:iose wlio were ibund accessaries in the war ■ 
sold for slaves- in foreign parts. In 1678 a formal 
treaty of peace was settled with the Indian chief 
at Casco, and an end was put to a tedious and 
distressing war, Vvhich had subsisted tliree years. 

20. VMiile the New- England forces were 
in the field, the churches frequently observed 
days of fasting and prayer, for the success of 
their arms. After peace was established, a li- 
centiousness of manners prevailed, which was. 
highly alarming to serious and devout people. 
Kence in 1679, ^he General Court of Massachu- 
aeils convened a synod to examine tlie state of 
religion, and to prevent tlie increase of profane- 
ness and impiety. 

• Belknap, vol. i. p. 1^7. 



8R History of New -England, 

21. The synod agreed that there was a gen- 
eral decay of piety and a prevalence of pride, 
intemperance, profaneness, and other vices.— r 
They advised, that in order to promote a refor- 
tion the clergy should be ' exhorted to bear the 
strongest testimony against the vices of the age, 
in their public discourses; and to maintain a 
strict discipline in their churches ; that schools 
should be strictly inspected and supported ; and 
that the magistrates should be vigilant in putting 
the laws in execution. This synod also passed 
a vote recognizing and confirming the platform 
of church discipline, ^^hich was agreed upon by 
the synod of Cambridge, in 1648, desiring that 
the churches might continue stedfast hi the or- 
der " of the gospel, according to what is therein 
declared agreeable to the word of God." 

22. From the above acsount of the distress- 
ing Indian v/ar, we learn, how dear our ances- 
tors purchased the rich inheritance which de- 
scends to us. As an elegant writer observes — 
** they had a foe to subdue, who added to the 
instinct and fierceness of the brutal creation the 
sagacity of human intelle ct. Efforts of despe- 
rate resolution in penetrating the treacherous re- 
cesses of the wilderness \%'ei'e the only means of 
preserving the inhabitants from the subtile sur- 
prises and merciless ravages of their enemy. — 
The nature of such a confiict is hardly to be 
realized, in a territory invaded by a civilized 
foe, where the regular operations of war itfibrd 
some rule for calculating the times and degrees 
of calamities, and where defeat is not the cer- 
tain presage of torture and death."* 

* Mlnot's continuation of Hutchinson. 



History of Nexv- England,^ 89 

CHAPTER X. 

1679—1692. 

The Government of New -Hampshire separated 
from Massachusetts^ and made a Royal Pro- 
vince, Of Cranfield'^ s oppressive Government, 
The Colonies are deprived of their Cliarters, 
Colonel Dudley appointed President of New- 
En gland. He is superceded by Sir Edmond 
AndroSy who is appointed Governour, His 
arbitrary Proceedings. The Revolution in 
England puts a period to the oppression of the 
Colonists, A new Charter granted, and Sir 
William Phips chosen Governour, 

1. VV HILST the Indian tribes were en- 
deavouring to extirpate the English, enemies of 
another kind were usijig every effort to deprive 
them of their privileges, by artful and exaggerat- 
ed accounts of their conduct to the government 
of PLngland. 

2. At this period one Mr. Mason, who 1679 
claimed a right to New- Hampshire from his 
grandfather, Capt John Ma^on, endeavoured to 
dissolve the union, which had long subsisted 
between that colony and IMassachusetts. He 

was assisted in his claim by Edward Randolph, 
his kinsman, an inveterate enemy to the people 
of Nev/- England. They succeeded, and a com- 
mission passed the great seal, which sep?.rated 
New-HjRmpshire from the jurisdiction of Mas- 
sachusetts. 

3. By tliis comm/ission a president and coun- 
cil were appointed by the king for the govern- 
mcRt of the province. The people however 



QO History of JVew- England, 

were allowed to choose an assembly, to whom 
the president should recommend enacting laws 
for establishing their allegiance, order, and de- 
fence, and raising taxes for the support of gov- 
ernment, in such a manner as they should think 
proper. All laws were to be approved by the 
president and council, and to remain in force 
imtil the king's pleasure should be known ; for 
which purpose, they should be transmitted to 
Eagland by the first ships. ^ 
1680 ^* Ii^ order to reconcile the minds of the 
people to this change of administration, the king 
nominated for the first council, those who had 
sustained the principal offices, civil and military 
under the colonial government. The appre- 
hensions that others, who were inimical to their 
country would be substituted, induced them to 
accept this appointment ; and affairs were con- 
ducted as nearly as possible, in the same man- 
ner as before the separation. 

5. The people were greatly dissatisfied in 
being deprived of the privilege of choosing 
their own rulers, and expected an invasion of 
their property to follow* f Their apprehensions 
were soon realized. In 1682 Henry Cranfield, 
Esq. was appointed lieutenant-governour and 
commander in chief of New-Hampsire. After 
his arrival he exhibited his arbitrary principles by 
removing the leading characters from the coun- 
cil, and substituting such as he could render 
subservient to his purposes ; by dissolving those 
assemblies which opposed his measures ; by 
assuming, with his council, all the legislative 

• Belknap, vol. i. p. 170. f Ibid. 



History of JW^v- England. %\ 

power, and taxin?:^ the people without their con- 
sent ; by subjecting those clergymen who re- 
fused, when requested, to administer the sacra- 
ments according to the liturgy of the church of 
England, to the penalties of the statutes of non- 
conformity; and by imprisoning and treating 
with rigorous severity those who opposed his 
go\'ernment. 

6. At length, the governour being disap- 
pointed in his plans of enriching himself, and 
fearing the issue of the people's remonstrances 
to parliament, returned to England, where he 
obtained the collectorship of Barbadoes. Bare- 
foot the deputy governour succeeded at his de- 
parture. * 

7. New-Hampshire was not the only colony 1684 
which felt the oppression of arbitrary power. 
The enemies of Massachusetts, particularly 
Randolph, were indefatigable m transmittmg 
complaints to England. In consequence of 
these he was ordered to convey a writ of quo 
warranto across the atlantic. When he arrived 

in Boston the general court once more consid- 
ered the critical situation of affairs. The gov- 
ernour and a majority of the assistants resolved 
to submit to the royal pleasure ; but upon the 
representatives' refusing their consent, a decree 
was issued by the high court of chancery, 
against the governour and company, by which 
their charter privileges were cancelled, f 

8. King Charles 11. died soon after the co- 
lony of Massachusetts was deprived of its char- 
ter. Upon the accession of James li. a com- 

• Belknap, vol. i. p. 229. f Ibrd. p. 229. 



92 History of New '£71^1(111(1, 

mission was issued for a president and council, 
as a temporary government for Massachusetts, 
Ne^v-Hampshire, Maine, and Narraganset. 
The counsellors were nominated by the king ; 
and no house of representatives was mentioned 
in the commission. Col. Dudley, a native of 
Massachusetts, ^vas appointed president ; and 
in order to conciUate the minds of the people to 
the introduction of a go vernour- general, the 
courts were continued on their former plan ; 
trials were by juries as usual ; and in general 
the former laws and established customs were 
observed. 

9. After Colonel Dudley had enjoyed his 
nev/ office about nine months. Sir Edmond An- 
dros, who had been governour of New-York, 
arrived in Boston, being appointed, during 
pleasure, captain-general and vice-admiral of 
Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, Maine, Ply- 
mouth, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, and Pema- 
quid. He and his council were vested with the 
legislative and executive powers. Though he 
began his administration with high professions 
of regard for the public w^elfare, he soon ex- 
hibited his arbitrary principles, and enriched 
himself and his party, by the most daring vio- 
lations of the rights of the people.* 

10. Notwithstanding the assembly of Rhode- 
Island had passed an act, formally surrendering 
their charter to the king, and had transmitted 
an humble address to his majesty, they gained 
no advantage by their submissive conduct. 
Andros, in compliance with his orders, dis- 

* Bftlknap, vol. i. p. 282. 



History of New 'England ^ . ^" 

solved their government, and assumed the ad- 1687 
ministration of the colonv.* 

11. The following year he came to Hart- 
ford with a small body of troops, while the as- 
sembly were con^'^ened ; demanded the charter, 
and declared the government dissolved. It is 
reported that governour Treat described with 
energy the great expense and hardship of the 
colonists in settling the country ; and their ex- 
treme reluctance to pail with privileges so dear- 
ly purchased. Expedients were then found for 
delaying the business till evening, when the 
charter ^^as brought and laid upon the table, 
where the assembly were sitting. The candles 
were suddenly extinguished and instantly re- 
lighted. Capt. Wadsworth carried off the 
charter, and secreted it in a hollow tree, . The 
people were pcacably and orderly, but the pa- 
tent could not be found. ' Sir Edmond how- 
ever assumed the government, and having dis- 
carded the old, appointed new civil and military - 
officers. I 

12. Numerous were the oppressions which 1688 
the country suffered under his administration. 
The press was restrained, liberty of conscience 
infringed, and exorbitant taxes demanded. 
The cliarter being vacated, the validity of titles 

to lands was denied ; and those who had long 
cultivated their farms, were obHged to give ex- 
travagant fees for new patents, or writs of intru- 
sion were brought and iheir lands disposed of to 
others. To deter the people from consulting 
together and seeking redress, town-meetings 

• Revolution in New-Englaud justified. 
t Trumbull vol. i. p. 390. 

12 



94 History of Neiv-England, 

were prohibited, except one in a year, for the 
choice of town officers. Being apprehensive 
that complaints would be transmitted to Eng- 
land, the governour forbade any person to leave 
the country mthout his express permission. 
But notwithstanding all his vigilance and that of 
his emissaries a-nd guards, Dr. Increase Mather 
sailed to England, ai^ presented the complaints 
of the people to the king, but not being able to 
obtain redress, he waited the event of the ex- 
pected revolution.* 
1689 13. The following year the report that the 
prince of Orange had landed in England, 
reached Boston, and diffused uniyersal joy. 
The governour imprisoned the person who 
brought the prince's declaration, and published 
a proclamation commanding all persons to pre- 
pare to oppose an invasion from Holland. 
Though the former magistrates and leading men 
secretly wished and fervently prayed for the 
prince's success, they determined quietly to 
wait the event. 

14. The body of the people were however 
too impatient to be restrained by prudential con- 
siderations. They assembled in arms, and im- 
prisoned the governour, and about fifty of the 
most obnoxious of his associates. The people 
of Massachusetts re-assumed their charter gov- 
crnm-ent. Andros and his coadjutors were sent 
to England, to be disposed of according to the 
king's pleasure. But as the charges exhibited 
against them were not signed by the colonial 
agents, they were dismissed, and the tyrant of 

* Belkiiap, vol i. p. 231. 



History of^ Nexv-Eiigland. 95 

New- England was afterwards appointed gover- 1G89 
nour of Virginia.* 

15. The people were soon relieved from all ap- 
prehension of danger from their precipitate con- 
duct, by the intelligence that William and Mary 
had been declared king and queen of England. 
They were soon alter proclaimed in Boston, 
with uncommon ceremony, and with demon- 
strations of the sincerest joy. 

16. After the inhabitants of Connecticut and 
Rhode- Island were informed of the change of 
affairs in Massachusetts, they resumed their an- 
cient charter and form of government. But as 
New-Hampshire was left by the revolution in 
an unsettled state, a convention was called, in 
which it was determined to re -annex itself to 
Massachusetts. This union, ho\vever, was of 
short continuance. In 1692, Samuel Allen, af- 
ter purchasing of Mason's heirs the lands of 
Ne^v-Hampshire, obtained a commission for the 
government of this colony, f 

17. After the revolution in England, the 1691 
general court of Massachusetts dispatched two 

of their members to join with Sir Henry Ash- 
urst and Mr. Mather in soliciting the restoration 
of their charter. But as the king, from the first 
application, exhibited his determined resolution 
to have the appointment of the governour and 
all other officers vested in the crown, their so- 
licitations were ineffectual. J 

18. They succeeded however in obtaining 
a new charter, by which the colony of Ply- 
mouth, the province of Maine, and the country 

* Minot, vol. i. p. 55. f Belknap. 

\ Hutchinson, vol. i. p. 405. 



96 History of New- England, 

of Nova- Scotia, with lands between the tvve 
latter were joined to Massachusetts, and also 
Elizabeth Islands, Nantucket, and Martha's 
Vineycird. 

19. By the new charter, the appointment of 
the governour, lieutenant-governour, secretary, 
and all of the officers of the admiralty were vest- 
ed in the crown.* The governour had the 
control of the militia, and, with the advice of 
the council, the nomination of the officers be- 
longing to the courts of justice. He had also a 
negative upon the choice of counsellors, and 
upon all laws and elections made by the council 
and house of representatives ; and even those 
laws which he sanctioned were subjected to re- 
jection by the king within the term of three 
years from their passing. The power of grant- 
ing administrations and proving wills, M^as also 
vested in the governour and council. But 
though the privileges of the people were abridg- 
ed in these respects, liberty of conscience, which 
was not mentioned in the old, was expressly 
granted in the new charter, f 

20. When the charter had passed the seals, 
^le king being pleased to compliment the Mas- 
sachusetts agents, for the first time, with the 

* Under the old charter all the magistrates and officers of 
state were chosen annually by the general assembly. See 
Holmes* Ameiican Annals, vol. ii. p. 4. 

•f *' The difference between the old charier and new, consist, 
ed in an express authority for exercising powers which had been 
in constant use from supposed necessary implication. These 
were the privilege of a house of representatives as a branch of 
the legislature, the levying of taxes and erecting courts for the 
trial of capital crimes, and the probate of wills and granting of 
administrations on intestate estates, which was expressly given 
to the governour and couacil." Se€ Minot's continuation of 
Hutchinson. 



History of \exv- England, 97 

choice of their governoiir, they ai^recd to elect 1692 
Sir William Phips, who, Avith Rev. Increase 
Mather, arrived in Boston the 15th of May. — 
The general court appointed a day of thanks- 
giving for their safe arrival and for the settle- 
ment of the province. 

21. The first act of the Massachusetts legis- 
lature, after the arrival of their charter, contain- 
ed the following clause : *' No aid, tax, toll- 
age, assessment, custom, loan, benevolence, or 
imposition whatsoever, shall be laid, assessed^ 
imposed, or levelled on any of his majesty's sub- 
jects, or their estates, on any pretence whate^-er, 
but by the act and consent of the governour, 
council, and rcpresejitatives of the people, as- 
sembled in Q^eneral court." 

22. At the time a\ hen the colony of Massa- 
chusetts received their new charter, sevent}^- 
two years had elapsed since the first settlement 
at Plymouth. During this period the colonies 
enjoyed the privilege of choosing their own ru- 
lers, and enacting their own laws. They had 
established excellent regulations for the promo- 
motion of learning and religion. They had ex- 
hibited great courage in the Indian wars, and • 
their efforts to repel their savage enemies were 
crowned v/ith success. 

23. After foity years from the first settle- 
ment, the greatest part of the early emigrants 
had terminated their earthly existence.* They 
had however the satisfaction of surviving until 
they beheld the fruits of their assiduous labours 
in the increase of the settlements and multiplica- 

* Hutchinson, vol. i. p. 288. , 

f 



98 History of New-England, 

tion of the churches. ^* In 1G43, the first twen- 
ty thousand souls, who came over from Eng- 
land, had settled thh'ty-six churches. In 1650 
there were forty churches in New- England, 
which contained seven thousand seven hundred 
and fift}^ communicants.'^ • 

24* There appears to be a striking likeness 
in the characters of the fii'st settlers of New- 
England. This may be owing to the similarity 
of their education, of their civil and religious 
sentiments, and the common cause in which 
they were engaged. The leading traits for 
which they were distinguished, were ardent pie- 
ty, inflexible resolution, and persevering dili- 
gence. Their piety led them to prefer the sa- 
cred rights of conscience to all earthly considera- 
tions ; their resolution and firmness induced 
them to encounter perils and hardships in the 
new w^orld ; and their persevering diligence ena- 
bled them to effect comfortable settiements. 

25. The early inhabitants of New-England 
evinced their supreme regard for religion by 
choosing men for their rulers who were eminent- 
ly distinguished for piety and integrity. Among 
the first governours we find the ever revered 
names of Carver, Bradford, Winthrop, Haynes, 
Eaton, and other worthies, who were blessings 
to their respective colonies, and shining patrons 
of the christian virtues and graces, 

26. Many of the clergymen who came to 
New- England at the first settlement were cele- 
brated for their abilities andlearnmg, and while 
they de^^oted their talents to promoting the cause 

• Steles' Manuscript Lectures on Ecclesiastical History. 



History of Nexv-Englajid, 99 

of religion, they were exemplary in the per- 
formance of all the private and public duties it 
ejijoins. We may mention Cotton,-* Flooker, 
Da\'enport and Eliot, who rank in the first class 
among the collection of pious and learned di- 
vines who illuminated the churches of New- 
Jtngland. 

27. A modern British author, in speaking 
of the first settlers of New- England, has justly 
observed, *' tliat the victories they obtained 
over the complicated obstructions which they 
met with upon their arrival in America, have 
raised their character to a level with that of the 
bravest people recorded in history, in the estima- 
tion of \hc few, who can consider flicts divested 
of that splendour which time, place and cir- 
cumstances are apt to l^estow upon them, and 
from which they derive their lustre with the 
generality of mankind.''* 

CHAPTER XL 

1688—1692. 

JVar with the Eastern Imliajis rene^vecL Ex- 
pedition against A''ov a- Scotia and Canada, 
Treaty of Peace concluded with the Indians, 
Of the supposed Witchcraft in New -England, 

1. Previously to the revolution in lesa 

government which was related in the foregoing 

• Mr. John Cotton was styled the patriarch of New-Eng-land ; 
he was distinguished for the sweetness of hitfi temper ; for his 
great abilities, profound learning, and eminent piety. Messrs. 
Hooker and Davenport were highly useful in founding the colo- 
nies of Connecticut and Neu'-Haven ; and Mr. Eliot's pious 
labours to christianize tke Indi*ns hare immortalized his mem- 
©ry. 



100 History of Nexv-E?i gland, 

1688 chapter, a fresh Indian war broke out on the 
frontiers of New-Engiand. As a pretence for 
cornmencing hostiHties, the natives chai'ged the 
Enghbh with refusing to pay the tribute stipu- 
lated in the treaty of 1678, with interrupting 
their fishery in Saco river, with defrauding them 
in trade, and granthig their lands witkout their 
consent. 

2. Their resentment was enflamed by the 
Baron de Castine, a Frenchman, who resided 
with the Indians at Penobscot, and had acquired 
great ascendaixy over their minds. He com- 
plained that the colonists had run a lir.e which 
included his plantation, and thai they had pluH- 
dered his house and fort of goods and imple- 
ments of war. By these complaints he excited 
tlie Indians to rexenire their mutual injuries. 
They began hostilities by killing a number of 
the inhabitants of North Yarmouth.^ 

3. Insti Grated bv an intxtineuishable thirst 
for revenge, they determined to retaliate the 
seizure of the four hundied Indians at the house 
of major Waldron, which took place in 1676. 

The major then commanded at Cocheco, a 

■J ' 

frontier fort of great importance. Mesandoit, 
a sachem, who was hospitably lodged at his 
garrison during night, opened the gates to a 
large number of Indians, who lay in ambush. 
They rushed in, barbarously murdered the 
major and tv/enty-tvvo odiers, burned several 
houses, and took, twenty-riine captives, who 
were sold to the French in Canada, f 

4. In order to check the depredation of the 
savages, the ivlassachusetts and Plymouth forces 
proceeded to the eastward, settled garrisons at 

* Belknap, vol. i. p. 241. t Belknap. 



Historif of NaxV' England, 101 

convenient places, and had some skirmishes with 
the natives at Casco Bav, and Bkie Point. T he 
Indians did much mischief by their flying par- 
ties, but no important action was performed on 
either side during the remainder of the yecr. 

5. As the French had instigated the Indians. 1590 
to commence and continue the war, the colon- 
ists were induced to attack them at their settle- 
ments in Nova- Scotia and Canada. They ex- 
erted themselves to the utmost to raise forces, 

and g-ave the command to Sir William Phips. 
The iirst of these expeditions was crowned with 
success : Port Royal, being in no condition to 
support a siege, soon surrendered. The people 
w^ere hence encouraged to prosecute cheir de- 
sign against Canada, and equiped an armament 
in some degree equal to the service. But the 
arrival of the fleet at Quebec being retarded till 
the season was ilir advanced, and the troops be- 
ing sickly and discouraged^ they were obliged 
to abandon the enterprise* 

6. The inhabitants of New- England were 
greatly dispirited by this disappoint iTicnt The 
•equipment of the fleet and army occasioned a 
great expense, which they were little able to 
support , and a thousand men perished in the 
expedition. It was happy for the country that 
the Indians at this time voluntarily came in, on 
the 29th of November, and proposed a suspen- 
sion of arms ; and a truce was agreed upon till 
the following May ; in conseqaeixce of which 
peace was preserved during the winter. But 
after the renewal of hostilities they burnt the 
town of York, killed fifty of the people, and car- 

K 



102 History of Nexv-Englandp 

riecl one hundred into capti\ ity,* They con^ 
tinned their savage depredations until 1693^ 
when a peace was concluded with them at fort 
Peniaquid. 

7. Whilst the Indian^ were laying waste the 
frontiers of New-England, a new species of dis- 
tress, originating from supposed witchcraft, fil- 
led the minds of the people with gloom and hor- 
rour. The prevailing credulity of the age, the 
strength of prejudice, the force of imagination, 
operating on minds npt sufficiently enlightened 
by reason and philosophy, all conspired to pro- 
duce this fatal delusion. 

8. in the year 1692, a daughter and neice of 
Mr. Parris., minister of Salem, one nii^ie and the 
other eleven years qI age, were seized with siur 
gular and unaccountubie complaints. A con- 
sultation of ph}'sicians was called, one of whom 
Vvas of oninion that thev were bev/itched. An 
Indian woman, who resided with Mr. Parris, had 
recourse to some experiments^ M'hich she pre- 
tended Vv'ere used in her own country, in order 
to discover the witch. The children being in- 
formed of this circumstance, accused the Indian 
woman of pinching, pricking, and tormenting 
them in various ways. This first instance was 
the occasion of several private fa'sts in Mr. Par- 
ris' house, and a number of others were observ- 
ed in the colony, f 

9. The attention and compassion which the 
children excited, probably induced them and al- 
lured others to continue their imposture. Tlie 
number of complainants who pretended to be 

♦ Hutch^on, vol. i. p. 200. f Ibi4, vol. ii. p. %^. 



i£i3tory of New -England. 103 

Seized with similar disorders, continually in- 
creased ; and they accused certain persons of 
being' the authors of their sufferings. As the 
most effectual way to prevent an accusation Vvas 
to become an accuser, the number both of the 
afflicted and accused was continually incrciising. 

10. The accused in general persisted in as- 
serting their innocence. Some, however, were 
Induced to confess their guilt, being warmly im- 
portuned by their friends to embrace this expe- 
dient, as the only possible way to save their 
lives. The confession of witchcraft increased 
the number of the suspected ; for associates 
tvere always pretended by the party confessing. 
These pretended associates were immediately 
sent for, examined, and generally committed to 
prison.* 

11. Though the number of prisoners had 
been augmenting from February to June, yet 
none of them had as yet been brought to trial. 
Soon after the arrival of the charter in 1692, 
commissioners of oyer and terminer were ap- 
pointed for this purpose. At the iirst trial there 
was no colonial nor provincial lav/ in force a- 
gainst witchcraft. But before the adjournment 

of the general court, the old colony law, which 1692 
makes witchcraft a capital offence, was revived 
and adopted by the v/hole province. 

12. In this distressing period nineteen per- 
sons were executed, one pressed to death, and 
eight more condemned. Among those who 
were executed was Mr. Burroughs, formerly 
minister at Salem, who left his people upon some 

* Hutchinson, vol. ii. p. 30. Hale, p. 26. 



104 History of Nexv -England. 

;,592 diiFerence in religions sentiments. Those who 
suiiered death asserted their innocence in the 
sti'ongest terms. Yet this circumstance was in« 
- sufficient to open the eyes of the people ; and 
theli'fury aii9;'rr\t-n^ed in proportion as the gloom 
of imagination increased.* 

13. The affairs of Massachusetts were now 
in such a wretched situcition tfeat no man was 
sure of his life and fonune for rin hour. An 
universal consternation prevailed. Some charg- 
ed themselves with witchcraft, in order to pre- 

* vent accusation and escape death ; some aban- 
doned the province, and others were preparing 
to follow their example. f 

14. In this scerxC of perplexity and distress, 
those who were accused of witchcraft v/ere gen- 
erally of the lowest order in society. At length 
the pretended sufferers had the audacity to ac- 
cuse several persons of superiour rank and char- 
acter. The authority then began to be less cre- 
dulous ; prisoners were liberated ; those who 
had received "senteaice of death were reprieved, 
and afterwards pardoned. By degrees the whole 
country becam^e sensible of their mistake, and a 
majority of the actors in this tragedy, expressed 
sincere repentance of their conduct. 

1693 1^' Whilst a review of the conduct of the 
inhabitants of New^-England at this distressing 
period, biduces us to accuse them of credulity 
and superstition, Vv^e ought to soften the asperity 
of our censure by remembering that they were 
led into this delusion by the opinion of the great- 
est civilians and divines in Europe. A similar 

* Sec Dr. Cotton Mather's wonders of tke invisible, world, 
t Hale, p. 33. * Cal^;f. 



History of JVew-England. 105 

opinion respecting A\itchcraft was at the same 
time prevalent in Great-Britain. The law, by 
Mhich witches were condemned, was copied 
from the English statutes, and the practice of 
courts in New- England, was regulated by pre- 
cedents established in the parent country. These 
statutes continued in force in England some 
time in the reign of George 11. when it was 
enacted, " that no prosecution should in future 
be carried on against any person for conjuration, 
witchcratt, sorcery, or enchantment.'''* 



CHAPTER XIL 

1694—1713. 

Sir JFUliajn Ph'ips recalled,. His Death and 
Character, }Far with the Indians 7'enexved, 
Peace concluded. The Earl ofBellamont ap- 
pointed Governour, His arrival at Boston, 
His dea th a t New - York, Yale Cc liege fo iind^ 
ed, Dudley appointed Governour, Indian ^^*^ 
JVar, Reduction of Port Royal, Unsuccess- 
ful Expedition against Canada. Peace con^ 
eluded with the French and Indians, 

1. X HE New. England colonies had for 
about a year been relieved from the calamities of 
war, but the interfering claims of the English 
and French would not permit the sword to be 
long sheathed. In 1692, the Sieur de Villien 
was in command at Penobscot, and with the 
assist£ince of Thury, the religious missionary 

K2 

* BUckstone's Commentaries. 



i06 ' 'History of Nckv-Enghnd. 

from the French nation, persurided the eastern 
liiCiians to break* their treaty, and prepare Ibr 
hcbtilities. 

2. Whilst the war with the Indians was im- 
pending, the people became dissatisfied with the 
government, and transmitted complaints to the 
king against Sir William Phips. He and his 
accusers were cited to repair to Whitehall,. and 
having obtained a recommendation from the 
gene/al assembly, he embarked for England. 
But before his cause could be hoards he was 
suddenly seized with a malignant fev^er, of which 
be died in 1695, at the age of forty-five years. 

3. Sir William Phips was born of poor and 
obscure parents, in the eastern part of New- 
England. His education had furnished him 
witii few advantages for literary improvem.ent ; 
"but he had passed through a variety of scenes in 
active life. His first employment was that of 
keeping sheep ; he was next a ship carpenter, 
and after^vards a senm.an. Having amassed a 
considerable fortune by discovering a Spanish 
wreck near Port de la Plate, he was introduced 
to men of rank and fortune, and rose to distinc- 
tion. Though he did not possess the reputation 
of being a deep politician, he v/as a man of great 
industry, enterprise, and firmness, attentive to 
the duties of religion, and studious to promote. 
piety and virtue in others. ^ 

1694 4. After Sir William Phips left the province,, 
the authority devolved upon lieutenant-gover- 
nour Stoughton. Previously to his entering on 
lli^ administration, the country was again invol- 

* Mather, vol ii. p. 68, Life of Sir William Phip^. 



History of Neiv-Englanch lOT* 

ved in 'the calamities of war. The Sieur Villien, 
with a body of two hundred and fifty Indians, 
collected from the tribes of St. John, Penobscot, 
and Norridgwog, marched against the people on 
Oyster river, in Nevz-Hiinipshire, killed and 
cai^tivated about an hundred persons, and burn^^ 
ed twenty houses, of which five were garrisonso 

5. During the remainder of this and the 
subsequent winter, the Indians continued to rav- 
age the frontiers. In 1696, they, in conjunction 
with the French, took and demolished Pemaquid 
fort ;* and exulting in their success,, threatened 
to involve the country in ruin and desolation. 

6. This year a' fleet sailed from France to 16977 
Newfoundland ; expecting to be joined by an 
army f^om Canada,' in order to assault Boston, 

and ravage the coast to Pascataqua ; but the 
season being far advanced, and 'their provisions 
scanty, the French were obliged to relinquish 
their design of invading the country. After the 
peace of Rys\^'ick took place, the govenioyr of 
Canada informed the Indians that he could no 
longer support their cause, and advised them to 
bury the hatchet, and restore their prisoners. 
This induced them fo enter into a treaty at 
Casco, by which they submitted to the British 
government. 

7. After the war in Europe w^as terminated, 1698 
the king appointed the earl of Beliamont gover- 
nour of New- York, Massachusetts, and New- 
Hampshire. The earl arrived in Boston, IMay 

26, 1699, and in the same year 'leld tv/o sessions 
of the general court. The politeness and afta- 

*0n a point of landj and at the mouth of a river of the same 
Hame, a little to the east of Booth -bsiy, in the disti-ict of Ma^n^jv 



108 \ History of Xew- England. 

1686 bility of his behaviour, his attention to the habits 
and manners of the colonies, and his respectful 
attendance upon the congregational lectures, con- 
ciliated the minds of the people, who ti^eated him 
with the utmost deference. His depth, which 
took place at New- York, March 18th, the fol- 
lowing year, was greatly regretted by the people 
in his several governments.* 

8. The inhabitants of New- England were 
solicitous to use those intervals when they were 
not engaged in w^ar with the natives, in promot- 
ing the means of instruction. In 1699 the Hon. 
William Stoughton^ heutenant-governour of the 
province of Massachusetts, erected a buildii:kg 
for the accommodation of the students at the uni- 
versity of Cambridge. It was called " Stough- 
ton Hall'^ after his name, and served to perpet^ 
uate his memory. 

9. The design of founding a college in Con- 
necticut, was first concerted by several respect- 
able and pious ministers of that colony, with a 
primary view to the education of youth for the 
ministry. Ten of the principal clergymen, upon 
being nominated to stand as trustees in order to 
establish this institution, convened at New- Ha- 
ven in 1700, accepted the charge, and founded 
a college at Kiiling\\'orth. The following year 
they obtained a charter from the general assem- 
bly of Connecticut, and a grant of money for 
the CHCOuragement of this infant seminary. f 

10. The college was removed to Say brook 
in 1707, where it continued till 1716, when it 
was permanently fixed at New-Haven ; and the 

• Belknap, vol. i. p. 281. 

^ Holmes' Life of president StileSj p. 315, 



history of New -England. 109 

following year a large and commodious building 
was erected for the reception of the students. 
At the first commencement, which was held at 
New-Haven in 1718^ it was called Yale CoUege, 
in commemoration of governour Yale's great 
generosity, who had been one of its most liberal 
benefactors. 

11. The inhabitants of Connecticut paid 
great attention to the rcliglous as well as the lit- 
erary state of the colony. In 1708 a synod was 
convened at Say brook, composed of the minis- 
ters and delegates from the churches of Hartford, 
New-Haven, Fairfield, and New-London, with 
tv/o or more messengers from a converition of 
the churches in each county. This synod drew 
up the form of church government and disci- 
pline, which is styled die Say brook platform ; 
and which became the established constitution 
of the Connecticut churches. 

12. This year, queen Anne, who succeeded 1702 
king William, appointed Joseph Dudley, esq, 
governour of Massachusetts and New-Hamp- 
shire. In conformit}" to his instructions, he re- 
quired the fixing of a permanent salary for him- 
self and his successors. But the tendency of 

this measure to establish the controul of the crown 
over the proceedings of the legislature, was so 
well understood, and met with such a spirited 
opposition, both from the council and house of 
representatives, that after a long contest the gov- 
eiTiOur was obliged to relinquish the object.* 

13. The savage tribes, instigated and assist- 
ed as usual by the French, were preparing for 

* Miuot, vol i. p. 59. 



110 History of Xew-England, 

1703 hostilities when govemour Dudley began hi:> 
administration. In order to avert, if possible,- 
the calamity of a fresh war, the governour held 
a conference with delegates from the Indian 
tribes, and though they gave the strongest as-^ 
surances of their pacific disposition, a body of 
French and Indians soon after attacked all the 
settlements from Casco to Weils ; killed and 
took about an hundred and thirty persons, and 
burned many buildings. At this distressing 
period, the women ^nd children repaired to the 
garrison, the men went armed to labour, and 
posted sentinels in the fields, and the whole 
frontier country, from Deerfield to Casco, was 
kept in continual terrour by small parties of the 
enemy, * 

14. In February 1704, the Indians made a 
descent upon Deerfield, a remote settlement on 
Connecticut river. After putting forty of the 
inhabitants to death, and taking about an hun- 
dred captive,- they departed, leaving a consider- 
able number of the buildings in fitimes. They 
conducted the prisoners to Canada where Vau- 
di'euil, the French governour, treated them 
with great humanity., 

1704 15. The colonies raised forces to repel their 
savage attacks, and the chief command was giv- 
en to Col. Church, \vho had rendered himself 
famous by his exploits in Philip's war. By gov- 
ernour Dudley's order, he led his army to the 
eastern shoves. At Pascataqua he was joined by 
a body of men, under Major Hilton who did 
him eminent service. The English army de- 

•^ Belknap. Penhallow's Hist, of the Wars of New-England. 



History of tS'eu^'England, ill 

slroyed the towns of Minas and Chiegnu-to, and 
did considerable damrtge to the French and In- 
dians at Penobscot and Passamaquoddy.-^ 1705 

16. The g.ovci*noiir at this period deputed 
several gentlemen to Canada, for the exchange 
of ptisoners. They returned with a number 
of the inhabitants of Deerfield, and other cap- 
tives. The French governeur sent a commis- 
sioner to Boston with proposals for a neutrality ; 
though governour Dudley was unwilling to ac- 
cede to his plan ; yet by protracting the negoci- 
ation, the frontiers were preserved tolerably 
quiet during the remainder of this year. 

17. In April, the Indians killed eight', and 1706 
■\\'Ounded two people, near Oj^ster river. The 
garrison was near, but not a man in it. I'he 
women hov/ever seeing nothing bat death be- 
fore tb.em, put on hats^ loosened their hair, and 
fired so biisk'iv; that the enemy apprehending 

the peo])Ie Vvcre alarmed, fled widiout b'UTiii-^ 
or even plundering the liouse they had attack- 
ed.! 

18. The following year the colonists made 1707 
an attempt against Port Royal ; but from a dis- 
agreement among the officers, and a misappre- 
hension of ti)e state of the fort and garrison, 
they were unsuccessful. In the mean time the 
Indians continued tlieir dostructive depreda- 
dations. Li 1708 they peneti'ated into Massa- 
chusetts, burned part of die town of Haverhill, 
killed about an hundred of die inhabitants, and 
took a large number of prisoners, 

* Church'3 History of the IntUan Ww» p. 165. 
t Belknap, vol 1, p. ZZ9, 



112 Hislory of Ncrw -England, ^ 

1710 1^' This year the territory of Acadic^ was 
subdued by the surrender of Port Royal. QoL 
Vetch Vv^as appointed governour, and its name 
was changed to Annapolis, in honour of queen 
Anne. This success encouraged the colonists 
to attempt the reduction of Quebec. General 
Nicholson sailed to England to solicit assistance 
for this purpose, and his application was sue- 

cessful.t 

1711 20. The combined army of British and A- 
mericans, engaged in this enterprize, amounted 
to about 6500 men. The fleet sailed from Bos- 
ton on the 30th of July, and the English and 
Americans entertained the most sanguine hopes 
-of success. These were all blasted in one fatal 
nightjv when eight transports were wrecked on 
Egg Island, near the north shore, and a thou- 
sand people perished, among whom there was 
but one man who belonged to New- England. 
The expedition was relinquished, and the peo- 
ple felt the keenest disappointment and regret. 
The failure of this expedition encouraged the 
Indians to continue their ravages until the fol- 
lowing year, when intelligence of the treaty of 
Utrech arrived in New- England ; and, on the 
29th of October, a suspension of arms was pro- 
claimed at Portsmouth ; and the Indians, no 
longer stimulated to hostility, by the French, 
readily concluded a peace. J 

21. Duri»g the war, Massachusetts and 
-New-Ham.pshire were particularly exposed to 
the ravages of the Indians, which prevented the 

* The name by which Nova-ScoUa was known >vtien it be- 
longed to tlie French. 

t Wpine's Hislory of the British Empire. 

^ History of Canada. "^ • ' 



Hhtory of Nexv-Enc^hnd, 115 

increase of their population in proportion to the 
other colonies. Since Philip's war, it was com- 
puted that Massachusetts had lost from five to 
six thousand soldiers. This province, whilst 
the war lasted, was also subjected to heavy 
taxes, without any compensation from the pat- 
ent state. 

22. Notwithstanding these diffio^-ilties retard- 
ed the population of Massachusetts, many new 
townships were formed in the province. The 
New-England churches, in the meantime, were 
rapidly multiplying. In 1696 there wei'e an 
hundred and thirty churches formed in the colo- 
nies ; thirty-five of which were in Connecticut. 
For seventy years from the first settlement of 
this colony, the congregational was the only 
mode of worship. Some of the people at Strat- 
ford, who had been educated in the episcopalian 
sentiments, in 1706, introduced a clergyman of 
that persuasion. The novelty of the aftair, and 
other circumstances, gained a considerable as- 
sembly ; and he baptized twenty -five pei*sons. 
This w-as the first step towai'ds introducing the 
episcopal worship in tlie colony.^ 

23. In the year v/hich restored peace to the ^^^^ 
colonies, the long contested question, of boun- 
dary between Massachusetts and Connecticut, 

was settled to the satisfaction of both parties, 
and the lands, granted to Connecticut, were ap- 
plied for the support of Y^ile college. In the 
s»ame year the contest, respecting the boundary 
with Rhode-Island, vv^as also adjusted by agrec- 
wient. 

L 

•» TrumbuH. 



114 History of New- England, 

24. At this period fort}'-five towns were set- 
tled in Connecticut, and the number of ordain- 
ed ministers was forty-three. There Vv'ere be- 
sides candidates preaching in the towns, in which 
churches were not formed. The inhabitants oi 
this colony had multiplied to about seventeen 
thousand. 

25. Although about two years since, the 
greatest pail of the town of Boston was laid in 
ashes, by an accidental fire ;* and, notwithstand- 
ing the inhabitants of New- England were con- 
siderably in debt, on account of the late war, it 
was soon rebuilt in a far more elegant and com- 
modious manner than before. This evinced the 
prodigious acquisitions the people had made by 
commerce and industry, since the foundation of 
the colony. The peace of Utrech greatly in- 
creased the wealth and happiness of New-Eng- 
land. The authors of the Universal History 
observe, that, " the iniiabitants of those colonies, 
to their native love of ii;:;ertv^ added now the 
polite arts cf life ; industry was embellished by 
elegance; and, what would have been hardly 
credible in ancient Greece and Rome, in less than 
fourscore years, coioriics, almost unassisted by 
their mother country, arose in the wilds of 
America, which, i: transplanted to Europe, 
and rendered an independent government, would 
liave made no mean figure amidst her sovereign 
states. I' ^ 

• October 30th^ 1711. Massachusetts Historical Collections, 
^«i. T. p. 52. 

t Uaivergal Iii«torj', vol. xix. p. 334. 



History of Xciv-Englajid, 115 

CHAPTER XIII. 

1714—1730. 

Accession of George I, Appointment of CoL 
SJiiite and Removal of Mr, Dudley, Of the 
Governour^s Altercation with the People. 
Prevalence of the Smallpox. IFar with the 
French and Indians, Death of the Jesuit 
Palle, Peace, P'ort Dummer built. Ap- 
pointment of Mr, Burnet, His Controversy 
with Massachusetts, He dies, and is succeed- 
ed by Mr, Belcher, Controversy respecting 
the Governour^s Salary terjninated. 

1. VJEORGE I. who ascended die 1714 
throne ofGreat-Britam, after the death of queen 
Anne, appointed Col. Samuel Shute governour 
of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire. Mr. 
Dudley wasremoved,and, having* passed through 
many scenes of active life, retired to a private 
station. He was celebrated by his friends for 
his diligence, frugality, and judgment ; whilst 
he was chai'ged by his enemies with bribery, 
corruption, and other crimes. Ambition ap- 
pears to have been his ruling passion ; and his 
arbitrary principles rendered his administration 
unpopular in New- England. 

2. Co!. Shute arrived in Boston, October 1st, 1 715 
and was received with the usual parade. The 
subsequent summer, attended by a number of 
the counsel from both provinces, he met the 
Indians at Arrowswick island, * and exerted all 

• In the District of Maine, near to Parker's island, in the 
rpouth of Kennebeck river. 



116 History of New -England. 

2^26 ^^^^ influence to coninm them in their friendship ; 
and in order to induce them to rehnquish the 
Roman cathohc religion, in ^.vhich they were in- 
structed by the French, he oiTered them an In- 
dian bible, and a protestant missionary. They 
rejectea both, bnt as their aged men were ex- 
tremely averse to a new war, they agreed, after 
some altercation, to rcne'\v theti'eaty which v/as 
made at Portsmouth.* 

3. Some time elapsed before there was an 
open opposition to governour Shutc's adminis- 
tration. Subjects of contention however arose, 
and mclUpli£;d during several yeai's. In 1720 
th,e popular resentment v/as highly inflamed, by 
his negativing of the choice of the speaker of 
tlie house of representatives, and disst>iving the 
court upon their refusing to make another choice. 
He revived the controversy, respecting a fixed 
ixhsx-^, which was begun by govemour Dudley, 

,aitd he was ecjually unsuccessful. The inhabi- 
tants of New-Iiampshire were however satisfied 
with his government, as far as respected them- 
selves:, and contributed more than their propor- 
tion towards his support. 

4. The opposition, which the governour 
met with in Massachusetts, induced him in 
1722 to return to England. Upon his arrival, 
he exhibited a variety of complaints against the 
Jiouse of representatives. The British minis- 
try vrere highly irritated, and concluded that it 
was the object of the people to be independent 
of the parent country. The result was, that 
the province was obliged to accept an explana- 
tory charter, (August 12th 1726,) confirming 

* HutebiRSon, vol. li. p. 121. mstorical Collections, vol. \su 



History of J^'exu-En gland, 117 

the power of the governour to negative the speak- 
er ; and denying to the house of representa- 
tives the right ofadjOLirning itself longer than 
two diiys.* 

5. Whilst the province was distressed by 1721 
internal divisions, and alarmed with the appre- 
hension of a fourth Indian w^ar, the prevalence 

of the smallpox, which raged in Boston and the 
otlier adjacent towns, was a source of addition- 
al calamity. In Boston 844. died of this disease. 
Dr. Cotton Mather, one of the principal clergy- 
men in that place, having read of the practice of 
inoculation at Constantinople, recommended 
it to the physicians. They all declined it, ex- 
cept Dr. Boylston, who began with his own 
family, and proved successful. But the prac- 
tice being new, he whs obliged to contend with 
popular prejudice, and sufiered much public 
odium on this account. 

6. In the mean time, the country suffered 
from the depredations of the Indians. The in- 
fluence of the French was iacreasedi by Sebas- 
tian Ralle, a Jesuit missionary, who had estab-^ 
lished a church at Norridgwog. He \^ as a man 
of good sense, learning, and address, and an 
enthusiast for his coumiy and religion. He ex- 
erted all the energy of his mind to infiame the 
passions of the Indians, against the colonists. 
In 1722 a body of troops was ordered to Nor- 
ridgwog to seize Ralle, who having received 
an intimation of their design,, had escaped^ But 
they secured his papers, by \\ hich it appeared 
that the governour of Canada was deeply engag-^ 

L 2 

* Hutchirison, vol. ii. pajje 245^ 



118 History of Nerv- England; 

ed ill exciting the Indians to a rupture, and 
had promised them his assistance. 

7. This attempt to seize their spiritual far- 
ther stimulated the Indians to revenge. After 
committing several hostile acts, they made a fu- 
rious attack on the town of Berwick, which they 
destroyed. This action determined the govern^ 
ment to issue a declaration of war against them, 
which w as published at Boston and Portsmouth, 
on the 25th of July.* 

8. The devastations of the Indians during 
this, and the subsequent year, caused the gov- 
ernment to resolve on an expedition to Nor- 
ridgwog. The captains Moulton and Harman, 
of York, at the head of a company of one hun- 
dred men, executed their orders with great ad- 
dress. Tkey completely invested and surprised 
that village; killed the obaoxious Jesuit with 
about eighty of his Indians ; recovered three 
captives ; destroyed the chapel, and brought 
aw^ay the plate and furniture of the altar. 

9. This year the provinces of Massachusetts 
and New-Hampshire sent commissioners to the 
governcur of Canada, to remonstrate against 
his injustice in countenancing the Indians, and 
to insist upon his withdrawing his aid. This 
remonstrance had the desired effect, and a peace 
was soon after concluded at Falmouth with the 
Indian tribes. 

10. In the year 1724, a settlement was first 
tnade within the present limits of Vermont. 
The government of Massachusetts then built 
fort Durmner, upcn Connecticut river. This 
fort was at that time admitted to be within M^ 



liktory of N&w -England, \\% 

saehusctts. It was afterwards found to be in 
New- Hampshire, and is now included in the 
state of Vermont.* 

11. After the departure of governour Shute^ 
Mr. William Dummer, the then lieutenant gov- 
ernour, succeeded him in the administration of. 
Massachusetts. Mr. Wentworth, Ueu tenant gov- 
ernour of New- Hampshire, managed the conv 
cerns of that province. 

12. Upon the accession of George II. Wil- 
liam Burnet, son to the celebrated bishop of 
Sarum, and a man of good undei'standing and 
polite literature, was appointed governour of 
Massachusetts and New- Hampshire. He had 
positive instructions from the crown to insist 
upon a j>ermanent salary, Mhich being peremp- 
torily refused by the assembly of Massachusetts, 
a warm altercation took place on this long con- 
tested point. New-Hampshire granted him a 
fixed salary on certain cenditions. His death, 
which took place in 1729, has been supposed 
to have been the effect of his controversy with 
l^fassachusetts. 

13. The English ministry highly resented 17^0 
the treatment, which Mr. Burnet, who had 
previously been a popular governour in New- 
York, and New- Jersey, received in Massachu- 
setts', aad it was proposed to reduce fliat prov- 
ince to a more absolute dependence upon the 
crown. Howxver, a spirit of moderation final- 
ly prevailed, and Mr. Jonathan Belcher, a na- 
tive of Massachusetts, was appointed governour, 

and w^s received in Boston v/ith great joy. At 
the commencement of his administration he ajj- 

* ISf^illiama' History of Vermont, p. 211. 



120 Histor:/ of J\e^u- England, 

tempted to obtain a fixed salary, but the assem- 
bly of the province continued their opposition 
with such inflexible perseverance, that he gave 
up the point, and eadeavoured to obtain a re- 
laxation ill his instructions. A consent to re- 
ceive particular sums was obtained for several 
yeai's ; and at length a general permission was 
conceded to receive such sums, as should be 
granted by the assembly. Tluis the tedious 
controversy respecting the goveinour'a salary 
was finally terminated.* 

14. Whilst the provinces of Massachusetts 
and New- Hampshire were engaged is alterca- 
tions with the governours, who were appointed 
by tlie crown, the colonies of Connecticut and 
Rhode-lskmd enjoyed, under their ancient char- 
ters, the privilege of choosing their own rulers, 

15. Though the altercations between the 
governours appointed by the crown, and the 
general assemblies of Massachusetts afford little 
entertainment, simply considered ; yet they ap- 
pear more interesting when viewed as resulting 
from that love of liberty, which ever formed a 
distinguished trait in the character of the inhab- 
itants of New-England. The opposition, which 
was made to fixing a salary on the royal gov- 
ernours, nurtured a spirit of independence ; 
and early habits of resisting the encroachments 
of Britain, prepared them for that arduous con- 
test which finally terminated in a separation 
from the parent state. 

• Belknap, vol. «. p. ^S, 



liistery of Neuo-England. 121 

CHAPTER XIV. 
1731—1749. 

A Party is dissatisfied xvith Mr,. B etcher'' s Gov- 
ernrnent. Divisional Line settled between 
Massachusetts and New -Hampshire, Remov- 
al of Mr. Belcher, Mr, Shirley appointed 
Governour, Reduction ofLouisbourg, Dis- 
.persion of tJie Fremh Fleet, Treaty of' 
Peace. 

, 1. Notwithstanding govemour ^^^ ^ 

Belcher's populai- tale;nt3> and the integTity of 
his ciDft<kict, an Opposition was formed against 
hiirjj afrid eompkirxt^ of his conduct were trans- 
mitted to England; Mr. Dunbar, the lieuten- 
ant-governour of New- Hampshire, was at the 
head of this party. . Thel/" object was not onlj 
to displace Mr. Belcher, but to obtain for that 
province a distinct governour, who should have 
no connexion with Massachusetts. In order 
to remove the obstacle which arose from the 
smallness of New-Hampshire, they were desir- 
ous to have die bounds of their territory fixed 
and enlarged. 

2. The controversy between Massachusetts 
and New-Hampshire, respecting the divisio?ial 
line, was left to the decision of the lords of the 
council, who gave the latter a tract of country 
fourteen miles in breadth, and above fifty in 
length, more than they had ever claimed. 
Notwithstanding the politicians of Massachu- 
setts v/ere chagrined and enraged, and petition- 
ed tl^ king tliat he would re-annex the lands t* 



122 History of Nei^v- England. 

their government, their petition was rejected, 
and Nevv-HLmpshire formed into a separate 
government."* 

3. In the mean time, Mr. Belcher's enemies 
were inde£ttigable in their endeavours to re- 
move him ; and by incessant applications to the 
ministr}', by misrepresentation, falsehood, and 
forgery, they accomplished their views. He 
repaired to court, and having clearly evinced 
his integrity, and the base designs of his ene- 
mies, was appointed governour of New-Jersey, 
where he passed the remainder of his days in 
peace, sind where his memory has been treated 
with merited respect. Mr. Belcher was suc- 
ceeded in Massachusetts by William Shirley, 
Esq. and in New-Hampshire by Berming Went- 
worth, Esq. 
1745 4. Intelligence of war with France and 
Spain being received in Massachusetts, the gen- 
eral court resolved to raise forces to attack 
Nova- Scotia. Governour Shirley projected an 
cnterprize against Louisbourg, which from its 
great strength was called *' the Dunkirk of 
America." Twenty. fne years, and thirty mil- 
lions of livres, had been employed in its fortifi- 
cations, f In order to reduce this town, the 
governour solicited and obtained naval assistance 
from England, under the command of commo- 
dore Warren. The forces employed by Mas- 
sachusetts amounted to upwards of 3,200 men. 
The colonies of New-Hanipshire and l>hode- 
Ishmd furnished each 300 ; J and Connecticut 

* Belknap, vol. ii. p. 172. 
f Modern universal history, vol. xix. p. 340. 
\ The forces from Rhode-Uland did «ot arrive till after the 
surfcndeF. 



History of Nciv ^England, 123 

500. William Peppcrill, Esq. of Kittery, was 1745 
appointed to command the land forces. 

5. The final resolution for this entcrprize 
j, against Loiiisbourg, \Aas carried by the majority 
''of one only. After the forces had embarked, 

the hearts of many began to fail. Some repent- 
ed that they had voted for the expedition, or 
promoted it ; and the most thoughtful were in- 
volved in the greatest perplexity.* 

6. Towards the end of April, commodore 
Warren arrived from the West- Indies, with a 
sixty-four gun sliip, and two ships of forty guns. 
He was soon after joined by another of forty, 
which had reached Casco a short time before. 
The men of war sailed immediately to cruise 
before Louit^bourg. The forces soon followed, 
and landed at Chapeaurouge Bay, the last day 
of April. The transports were discovered from 
the town early in the morning, which gave 
the inhabitants the first knov/ledge of the 
design. 

7. The second day after landing, four hun- 
dred men mijhed round behind the hiils, to 
the northeast part of the harbour, in the night, 
where they burned the vvarehcuses containing 
the naval stores. The clcuds of thick smoke, 
proceeding from tlie pitch, tar, and other com- 
bustibles, diiven by the wind into the great 
battery, terrified the French to such a degi-ee 
that they abi •idoncd it, and retired to the city, 
after having spiked the guns, and thrown their 
powder into a well. 

8. The hardships of the seige were v^^thout 
parallel in all preceding American operations. 



I 



Belknq), toI. u. p. 214. 



1^4 History of New- England, 

1745 The army was employed for fourteen nights 
successively, in drawing camion, mortars, &c. 
for two miles thr©ugh a morass to their camp. 
The Americans were yoked together, and per- 
formed labour beyond the power of oxen, which 
labour could be done only in the night, or in a 
foggy day ; the place being \vithin clear view 
and random shot of the enemy's walls. 

9. The success of this enterprize was accel- 
erated by the capture of the Vigilant, a French 
si:j^ty gjim ship with 5 GO men on board, and a 
great variety of military stores for the relief of 
the garrison. This event threw the enemy into 
great perturbation ; and the preparations, which 
v/ere evidently making for a general^ assault, de- 
termined Duchambon, the commanding officer, 
to surrender ; and accordingly on the 1 7th of June 
he capitulated. The French flag however was 
keptHyingas a decoy, by v.'hich means die enemy's 
ships, estimated at 600,000/. sterling, w^ere ta- 
ken by the squadron at the mouth of the har- 
bour, where they sailed as usual, not knowing 
that the place had surrendered to the English."^ 

10. Upon entering the fortress and viewing 
its sti'ength, and the plenty and variety of its 
means of defence, die most courageous were 
spiralled, and the impracticability of canying it 
by assault was fully demonstrated. 

1 1 . The weather was remarkably line during 
tlie seige ; but the rains began the day after tlie 
surrender, and continued ten days incessantly, 
which would undoubtedly have proved fatal to die 
expedition, had not the capitulation prevented. 

* See letters relating' to the expedition against Cape Breton, 
in the collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, vol i* 
«ee also Belknap, vol. ii.'p. 2%X^ 222. 



History of New -England, 125 

12. The religious inhabitants of New- Eng- 
land contemplated with pious gratitude the re- 
mai'kable interpositions of divhie providence, in 
the reduction of this to^vn, and the almost mi- 
raculous preservation of the army from destruc- 
tion.* 

13. The success of the expedition against 1746 
Louisbourg excited universal joy in America, 

and filled Europe with astonishment. The en- 
terprising spirit of New-England gave a serious 
alarm to those jealous fears, which had long pre- 
dicted the independence of the colonies. But 
though the English were disposed to ascribe the 
merit of the conquest to the navy, colonel Pep- 
periil received with the title of baronet, the more 
substantial reward of a regiment in the British 
establishment to be raised in America. The 
same honour imd emolument were bestowed on 
governour Shirley ; and after much difiiculty 
and delay, parliament reimbursed the colonies 
for their expenses, f 

14. Whilst the British colonies, elated with 
success, planned a new expedition against Can- 
ada, the French, stimulated by revenge, formed 
the design of invading New- England. For this 
purpose a very powerful fleet and army, under 
the command of the duke d' Anville, sailed for 
tlie American coast. This formidable armament 
consisted of a large number of ships of wai', and 
transports containing about eight thousand dis- 
ciplined troops, with veteran officers, and all 
kinds of military stores. 

M 

* Prince's Thanksgiving sermon on the t*kiug of Loulebourc^, 
ift 1745, p. 22—25. 

t Marsbal's Life of Wftshington. 



126 History of Neiv-EngJand. 

1746 ^^' "^^^ colonies w^ere disappointed in their 
expectation of a British squadron for their de- 
fence ^ and their situation appeared extremely 
dangerous. They were however at length prov- 
identially relieved. The French fleet was visit- 
ed by such a mortal sickness, that thirteen hun- 
di*ed died at sea ; and the greatest part of those 
who remained were extremely weakened and 
dispirited. In addition to this calamity, the fleet 
w^as dispersed by a violent tempest. The com- 
mander, in dcbpair, put a period to his life by 
poison; and the vice admiral fell on his sword. 
Part of the ships were lost, and those which es- 
caped returned sickly to France.* 

16. Dr. Belknap observes, " never was the 
hand of divine providence more visible than on 
this occasion. Never was a disappointment 
more severe on the side of an enemy, nor a de- 
liverance more complete, t^ ithout human help, 
in favour of this country, f 

17. When the alarm occasioned by the French 
fleet had subsided, the season was too far advanc- 
ed to prosecute the expedition against Canada. 
Governour Shirley was so intent upon attacking 
Crown Point, that he even proposed to m.arch 
thither in the winter, and had the address to 
draw the assembly of Massachusetts into an ap- 
probation of his project ; but the prudence of the 
Connecticut assembly, which refused to furnish 
their troops, frustrated this rash attempt until the 
ensuing spring. The termination of the war 
prevented the renewal of the plan. By the treaty 
of Aix la Chapelie in 1748, it was stipulated, 

• Trince's Thanksgiving" sermon, p. 20- 
Belknap. vol. ii. p. 280, 232. 



History of J\'ew-I^J7gf(wd, 127 "^ 

that all things should be restored to the foothig 
they held before the war.^ 

18. No sooner were the distresses of war 1749. 
closed by the renewal of peace, than the colonies 
of Ncu -England were alarmed with the report 
of an American episcopacy, which it was the 
most earnest desire of Dr. Thomas Seeker, late 
archbishop of Canterbury to establish, f The 
colonies were opposed to the introduction of 
episcopacy ; because they supposed it would be 
accompanied with such a degree of civil power, 
as would at length infringe upon the rights of 
other denominations, and they had the satisfac- 
tion of finding the design of introducing bishops 
laid aside for the present. 

19. This year Benning Wentworth, esq. 
governour of New-Hampshire, made a grant to 
that colony of a township six miles square, which, 
in allusion to his name, was called Bennington. 
Within the term of four or five years, lie made 
several other s^rants on the west side of Connec 
icut river. J 

20. An elegant author observes, that ** the 
war which terminated in 1748, displayed the 
character of the New- Engl and colonies in an 
elevated point of view, with prospects of increas- 
hig greatness. And opportunities occurred of 
exhibiting that strength and spirit, which after- 
wards contributed so essentially to the aggrand- 
izement of their mother country, and finaily to 
their ovvai sovereignty and independence. J / 

* Belknap, vol. ii. p. 254. 

+ See ^e letters of Dr. Seeker, In the Appendix to the Life 
of Dr. Samuel Johnson, first president of king's college in New- . 
York, bv Dr. T. B Chandler. .m 

\ Wiiliams' Hist, of Ver. p. 212. § Minot's Contin..y^ i..p. 82. 



128 History of New -England. 

CHAPTER XV. 

1753_1763. 

JRevrval of the Disputes between the French and 
British colonies. Congress appointed. French 
expelled from Nova Scotia, Defeat of Gen- 
eral Braddock, Air. Pitt appointed prime 
fninister. Douisbourg taken. Several French 
forts reduced. Qiicbec taken, after a severe 
batUe^ in which the Generals Wolfe and Mont- 
&'omerif are slain. Several French Islands 
reduced. Peace. 

1 . 1 HE treaty of Aix la Chapelle had not 
satisfactorily adjusted the controverted points be- 
tween the French and EngUsh concerning the 
limits of their respective settlements ; and their 
interfering claims threatened to revive the flames 
of war. These circumstances induced Massa- 
chusetts and iive other provinces, to appoint dele- 
gates to meet in convention at Albany in 1754, 
for tlie purpose of concerting measures for their 
mutual defence. The plan they proposed for 
the union of the colonics was however rejected 
both in America and in England, though the 
reasons for rejection in the two countries were 
opposite. In America it was considered as vest- 
ing too much povv^er in the crown ; in England 
it was opposed because it gave too much author- 
ity, to the legislative assemblies of the colonies.^ 

* Belknap, vol. ii. pa^e 284. 



Hutory of New -England. 129 

2. This year several expeditions were iin- 1755 
der taken against the Freneh settlements. The 
first object'^was to expel them fi'cm No^-a- Scotia. 
The forces which were raised for this purpose 
were chiefi^^ from Massachusetts ; but the com- 
mand was given to Col. Monckton, a British 
officer. This enterprize was conducted with 
energy, and crowned with success. In the 
course of about a month, \\ith the loss of only 
three men, the English found themselves in 
complete possession of the whole pro^'ince. 

3. Gen. Braddock, soon after, with 2,2@0 
British and provincial troops mai'ched for Fort 
du Quesne.* The impetuosity of his temper 
led him to disregard the advice of his officers ;. 
he entered the woods without reconnoitering 
the enemy; by w^hich means he fell into an 
ambuscade of four hundred, chiefly Indians, by 
whom he was defeated and mortally wounded.- 
The regulars! were thrown into the greatest 
consternation, and fled in the utmost confusion. 
The militia, being accustomed to Indian fight- - 
ing, were not terrified to such a degree. The 
general had disdainfully turned them into the 
rear, where they continued in a body unbroken, . 
and under the conduct of Col. Washington, then. 
his aid-de-camp, served as a most useful rear 
guard, covered the reti'eat of the British troops, 
and prevented their being entirely destroyed. J 

4. At the commencement of the following 175C 
year, Lord Loudon was appointed to command 

M2 

♦ At the junction of Alleghany river with the Monongahela. 
t The British disciplined troops. 

:j: Entick's General History of the French War, vol. j. p. 143 ; 
and Marshal's Life of Washington, vol. i. p. 592 



130 History of Neiv -England, 

his majesty's forces in North America ; and a 
dispute, between the British and American offi- 
cers respecting their rank in the army, retarded 
the mihtary operations. In the mean time, the 
Marquis de Montcahii, the French general, by 
the energy of his motions, gained great advan- 
tages. The French arms were also in various 
instances crowned with success in the subse- 
quent year ; in the close of which the affairs of 
Great-Britain, in North America, w^ere in a more 
1758 gloomy situation, than at any former period. 

5. At this time the American affairs bescan 
to assume a brighter aspect. The great Mr. 
Pitt, afterwards earl of Chatham, was placed at 
the head of the British ministry. His adminis- 
tration united all parties, and restored such or- 
der, unanimity, and decision to the public coun* 
cils, that the force of the empire was directed 
with success in every quarter of the globe. 

6. The reduction of Louisbourg, w^hich had 
been restored to the French by the treaty .of 
Aix la Chapelle, was undertaken with enthusi- 
asm and zeal ; and the spirited exertions of the 
sea and land forces tmder admiral Boscawen and 
general Amherst w^ere successful. Five ships 
of the line were taken, and the garrison, finding 
it impossible to support an assault, surrendered 
by capitulation. 

7. In the mean time the conquest of Fort 
du Quesne, served to relieve the colonies from 
the savage depredations of the Indians, whilst it 
interrupted the correspondence through a chain 
of forts, with which the French had environed 
x\\<i English settlements in AKierica* Fronte- 



History of Nexv- England, 151 



nac* also, a place of great importarxe, was sub- 17 
dued by the English. These acquisitions o^er- 
balanced the check they had received at Ticon- 
deroga, where general Abercrombie was defeat- 
ed with great slaughter. 

8. In consequence of the vigorous exertions, 
which were made by the English at the opening 
of the year 1759, Niagara, Ticonderoga, and 
Crown Point w^ere reduced. In order to com- 
plete their conquests nothing remained but the 
reduction of Quebec, the capital of Canada, 
which was the central point of the Biitish oper- 
ations. Admiral Saunders was appointed to 
command the naval part of the expedition. The 
siege by land was committed to general Wolfe, 
a young officer of distinguished reputation, w^ho, 
w^ithout being indebted to family or connections, 
had raised himself by merit to his present com- 
mand. He was generous, affable, and humane, 
and added the amiable virtues to his military 
greatness. t 

9. This enterprize was attended Vv'ith a com- ; 
bination of formidable difficulties. Gen. Wolfe 
was opposed by far superiour force, under the 
marquis de Montcalm, the most brave and suc- 
cessful general the French possessed. Though 
the situation of the country, which Wolfe was 
to attack, and the works which the French erect- 
ed, to prevent the descent of the English, were ^ 
deemed impregnable ; yet Montcalm never re- 
laxed in his vigilance. The city of Quebec 
was strongly fortified, secured by a numerous 
garrison, and plentifully supplied with provisions 
and ammunition. 
• At the outlet of Lak« Ontario, f Goldimith's Hist, Englaai. 



*i fi^ 



132 History of New-England, 

1759 10. General Vv^olfe, in concert with adminil 
Saunders Ibrmed a plan for landing the troops 
on the northern bank of the river above tlie city ; 
and attempted, by scaling the heights, hitherto 
deemed inaccessible, to gain possession of the 
ground at the back of the town, where it was 
but sli2:htlv fortified. The admiral, in order to 
deceive the enemy, moved up the river several 
leagues, beyond the spot, fixed upon for the 
landing ; but during the night he fell down with 
the stream, in order to protect the disembark - 
ment of the troops, which was accomplished in 
secrecy and silence. 

11. The precipice now remained to be as- 
cended ; and ^\'ith infinite labour and difficidty, 
the troops sustaining themseh^s by the merged 
projections of the rock, and the branches of the 
trees and plants, which sprang from innumera- 
ble clefts into which it was tvtvy ^vhere broken, 
they at last attained the sum mi c, and immedi- 
ately formed in order of battle.^ 

12. The Marquis de Montcalm, when ap- 
prized that the enemy was in actual possession 
of the heights of Abraham, abandoned his strong 
camp at Montmorency, and advanced to the 
attack of the English army with great intrepid- 
ity. A very warm engagement ensued ; and 
general Wolfe, who stood conspicuous in the 
front of the line, received a shot in the wrist ; 
WTapping a handkerchief around it, he seemed 
not to notice the wound, but continued giving 
orders without the least emotion. But advan- 
cing at the head of the grenadiers, another ball 

* Belsham's Memoirs of the Kings of Great-Britain, vol. ii 
page 2r8. 



History of Kcxv-Eji gland, 133 

pierced his breast, and compelled him to retire 1759 
to a spot, a little distant from the field of action, 
where he expressed the most eager anxiety to 
learn the fate of the battle. After an interval of 
suspence, he was told that the enemy were visi- 
bly broken, and reclining his head on the arm of 
an officer, who stood near him, he was in a short 
time, aroused with the distant sound of ** they 
fiy !'' *' Who fly ! " exclaimed the dying hero. 
On being told '' the French," *' then," said he, 
*' I die content ; " and almost immediately ex- 
pired in the arms of victory. 

13. The same love of glory, and fearless- 
ness of death, which in so remarkable a manner 
distinguished the British hero, were not less con- 
spicuous in the conduct of the Marquis de Mont^ 
calm, his competitor for victory and for fame. 
He expressed the highest satisfaction in hearing 
that his wound was mortal ; and when told that 
he could survive only a few hours, quickly re- 
plied, *' so much the better, I shall not then 
live to see the surrender of Quebec."^ 

14. Brigadier general Monckton, the second 
English officer was dangerously wounded ; and 
the chief command devolved upon general 
Townsend, who completed the defeat of the 
French. This important victory was gained at 
the expense of between five and six hundred 
men. Quebec surrendered by capitulation to 
the English, after a severe campaign of three 
months. The following year the whole prov- 
ince of Canada was reduced by the prudence 
and activity of general Amherst, and has siuce - 
remained annexed to the British empire. 

* Washington's Life. 



134 Historij of New -England, 

15. The same success attended the British 
arms in the West- ladies. In the \.\\o following 
years the islands Martinico, St. Vincent, and 
Hiivannah were subdued, and in 1763 a defini- 
tive treaty of peace was settled between Great- 
Britain, France, and Spain. By this treaty the 
Ensflish ceded to the French several islands, 
which had been taken from them in the West- 
Indies. Yet the whole continent of North Amer- 
ica was left in possession of the British. 

16. During the war the colonies furnished 
23,800 men to co-operate with the British reg- 
ular forces in North America. Many of the 
p rivates who gained such laurels, by their sin- 
gular bravery, on the plains of x\braham, when 
Wolfe died in the arms of victory, were na- 
tives of Massachusetts. When Martinico was 
attacked in 1761, and the British force was 
greatly weakened by sickness and death, the 
timely arrival of the New- England troops, ena- 
bled t|ie former to prosecute the reduction of 
that island with success. They also arrived at 
the Havannah at a critical period, and by their 
junction with the British, facilitated the con- 
quest of that place. Their fidelity, activity, and 
courage were such, as to gain the approbation 
and confidence of the British officers.* 

17. At this period the arms of Great-Brit- 
ain had recently been successful in every part 
of the globe. Power however like all things 
human has its limits ; and there is an elevated 
point of grandeur which seems to indicate a des- 
cent. The kingdoms of Europe looked with 
a jealous eye upon Britain, after the acquisition 

* i^ordon's History of the American War. 



History of Nexv- En gland » 135 

ot sucn immense power and territory. A tide 
of prosperity has a similar effect upon nations, 
as upon individuals. Hence the haughtiness of 
Britain was heightened by her late conquests, 
whilst the high ideas of liberty and independ- 
ence, which were nurtured in the colonies by 
their local situation, and the state of society in 
the new world, were increased bv the removal 
of hostile neighbours. Both countries thus pre- 
pared, the seeds of discord were soon sown be- 
tween the parent state and the colonies, which 
speedily sprang up to the rending of the empire, 
and the reducing of the power and grandeur 
of the British nation. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

1764—1774. 

Of the Seminary of Learning at Providence in 
Jihode- Island. Of Dartmouth College. OJ 
the Controversy between Great-Britain and 
the Colonies. Spirited Opposition to the Stamp 
Act. It is repealed. New Flan of raising a 
Revenue in America. Arrival of the British 
troops. Massacre of the fifth of March. The 
Tea throxvn into the Sea, at Boston. Arbi- 
trary Proceedings of the British Parliament • 
Spirited Behaviour of the People of Massa- 
chusetts. The contniental Congress meet at 
Philadelphia. Of their proceedings. The 
New-England Colo?iies prepare for War. 

1 . After the establishment of peace the 
American colonies increased in knowledge, as 



156 Wstory of J^ew- England. 

1764 ^^'^^^ ^s ^" opuience and population. This year 
a college was established in Rhode- Island, and 
incorporated by a charter from the legislative 
assembly of that colony. This institution was 
first founded at Warren, and there in 1769, the 
first commencement was holden. The college 
was removed to its present situation in 1770, 
where a larg-e and elegant building in an elevated 
situation, had been erected for its accommoda- 
tion, by the generous donations of individuals, 
chiefly of the town of Providence. The college 
charter ordains that the President must be a Bap- 
tist, but professors and other officers of instruc- 
tion, are not limited to any denomination of 
Christians.* 

2. The inhabitants of New- Hampshire, like 
those of the other New- England settlements, 
v^ere distinguished for their attention to the pro- 
motion of literature. In 1769 a seminary of 
learning \^^as established at Hanover, in that prov- 
ince, and received a royal charter. Dr. Eleazer 
Wheelock of Lebanon, in Connecticut, was its 
principal founder and first president. His orig- 
inal design was to promote science among the 
Indian youth. The friends of religion and hu- 
manity assisted his benevolent e:certions by their 
numerous presents. It was named Dartmouth 
college in honour of the earl of Dartmouth, one 
of its most liberal benefactors. In 1771, a com- 
mencement was first held in this place. 

3. Previously to the establishment of the 
abovementioned seminaiy of learning, Great- 
Britain, elated by her recent prosperity had al- 
ready formed and proposed a plan, which tended 

* Se« Holme's American Annals, vol. ii. p. 291. 



History of New -England. 137 

to subvert the privileges of the colonies ; and 
^ they, animated with an ardent love of liberty, 
had already exhibited a determined spirit of re- 
sistance. 

4. Mr. Bernard, a man of arbitrary princi- 
ples, was appointed to succeed Mr. Pownall * 
in the government of Massachusetts : and the ter- 
mination of the French war, which involved the 
British nation in a debt to a very great amount, 
was selected as a proper time to introduce the 
project of taxing the colonies by act of parliament. 
The Massachusetts agent having given intelli- 
gence of this intention, the house of representa- 
tives asserted in the most explicit terms that the 
sole right of granting the money of the people of 
the province was vested in them ; and that the 
power claimed by the parent country of impos- 
ing duties upon a people, who are not repre- 
sented in the house of commons, was iiTCcon- 
cilable with their privileges. f 

5. Great-Britain, on the other hand, contend- 
ed that her parliament was invested with author- 
ity to levy taxes on any part of the royal domin- 
ions, and at length, Mr. Grenville brought into 1755 
the house of commons his celebrated act for im- 
posing stamp duties in America. After an 
animated debate die bill passed both houses, and 
received the royal assent. 

6. This act roused all the energy of the col- 
onies, and they made the most spirited exertions 
to resist the encroachments of the British minis- 

N 

• This gentleman succeeded Mr. Shirley and was appointed 
governour in 176^, he was a friend to liberty and opposed to the 
design which was early formed of taxing- the coloniefl. 
t Gordon, vol. i. p. 148. 



138 History of A^ew-Ejigland. 

1765 try. They entered into an association against 
importing British manufactures, till the stamp 
act should be repealed. A continental congress, 
composed of deputies from nine of the provinces 
met at New- York, and asserted in energetic 
terms, their exemption from all taxes not impos- 
ed by their own representatives. The day on 
which the operation of the act was to commence, 
was ushered in, both in Boston and Portsmouth, 
by a funeral tolling of the bells. The people 
resolved to risk all consequences rather than use 
the paper required by law, and used such a va- 
riety of legal and illegal methods to emancipate 
themselves from this encroachment upon their 
liberty, that nothing but a repeal of the^ stamp 
act could prevent the immediate commencement 
of a civil war.* 

1766 7. After much debating, and two protests 
in the house of lords, and passing an act called 
the declaratory act, for securing the dependence 
of America on the parent country, the stamp 
act was repealed, on the 1 8th of March, 1766. 
This event occasioned great satisfaction in Lon- 
don ; and the intelligence was received in ifVmer- 
ica with the most lively emotions of joy. 

8. As the stamp act was not repealed upon 
American principles, in June, 1767, a bill had 
been decided on in the cabinet for imposing 
duties on glass, paper, painter's colours, and 
tea, imported into the colonies from Great-Brit- 
ain. In order to manage the revenue collected 
by these duties, a board of commissioners was 
1768 placed in Boston. This measure excited such 

* Ramsay^ vol i. p. 71. 



ITistory of New -England, 139 

a violent ferment among the inhabitants of that 
town, that two regiments of British troops, and 
some armed vessels were ordered thither to 
support and assist the commissioners. 

9. The province of Massachusetts continu- 
ed with unshaken firmness to defend its privi- 
leges, and its example was followed by the other 
colonies. Among other methods which M^ere 
used to procure a repeal of these duties, they 
entered into a non- importation agreement. This 
measure distressed the manufacturers in Great- 
Britain, and at length the ministry were induced 
to repeal all the duties, except that of three pence 
per pound on tea.* 

10. The stationing of a military force in 
Massachusetts produced an event, which threat- 
ened effects the most extensively serious. On 
the second of March an affray took place between 
a private soldier and an inhabitant of Boston ; 
and at length several on both sides were involv- 
ed in the quarrel. On the fifth of March a more 
dreadful scene ensued. The king's troops fired 
upon the men who were collected to insult them ; 
killed four, and wounded several others, f 

11. This event excited such violent com- 
motions in the town of Boston, that nothing but 
an immediate engagement to remove the troops, 
together with the advice of moderate men, pre- 
vented the inhabitants from attacking the sol- 
diers. The killed \\ ere buried in one vault, in 
the most respectful manner. Captain Preston, 
who commanded this party of soldiers, vras 
committed to prison, and afterwards tried ; yet 

* Ramsay. \ Marshall's Life of Washin^on. 



140 History of New- England, 

as it appeared that the British soldiers were 
threatened, abused, and insulted before they 
fired, the captain and five of his men were ac- 
quitted ; two only being 'found guilty of man- 
slaughter. The result of this verdict reflected 
great honour on John Adams and Josiah Quin- 
cy, esq'rs. the prisoners' counsel ; gentlemen 
who had invariably shown the warmest zeal, 
and exerted the most ^ splendid talents, in the 
cause of freedom ; and also on the integrity of 
the jury, who ventured to give an upright ver- 
dict in defiance of popular opinions.* 

2Y71 12. The inhabitants of Massachusetts were 
also highly irritated by the provision, which was 
made in Britain for paying the salaries of the 
governour and judges by the crown, and thus 
rendering them independent of the people. 

13. At the period when the duties on the 
other articles were repealed, the only reason as- 
signed by the British minister for retaining that 
on tea, was to support the parliament's right of 
taxation. The Americans therefore in denying 
their right, discontinued the importation of that 
commodity. To compel them to submission > 
this article was sent into all the colonies, attend- 
ed with the duty. In order to prevent the lib- 
erties of a great country from being sacrificed 
by inconsiderate purchasers, whole cargoes of 
tea were returned from New- York and Phila- 
delphia, and that which was sent to Charleston 
was landed and stored, but not offered for sale.f 

1773 14. As from a combination of circum- 
stances, the return of the tea from Boston was 

* Ramsay, vol. i. p. 91. t Ibid. p. 99. 



History of JVew-Enghmd* 141 

rendered impossible, die province of Massachu- 
setts ventured upon a more desjKrate remedy. 
Seventeen persons, dressed as Indians, broke 
open 242 chests of the tea, and without doing 
any other damage, discharged their contents 
into the ocean. 

15. Upon receiving intelligence of these 
proceedings the British parliament were transr 
ported with indignation against the people of 
Boston, and in order to revenge the opposition 
which they had exhibited against their author- 
ity, passed an act, called the Boston port-bill, 
by which the port of that town was legally pre- 
cluded from the privilege of landing and dis- 
charging, or of lading and shipping goods, 
wares, and merchandize. Other oppressive 
bills were soon after passed, in order to punish 
the inhabitants of Boston, and deprive the col- 
onists of their privileges, w^hich measures served 
however to cement their union, and sti^engthen 
their resolutions to resist the arbitrary imposi- 
tions of the parent slate. 

16. Whilst the comlDination of the other 
colonies to support Boston was gaining strength, 
new matters of dissention daily arose in Massa- 
chusetts. The resolution of shutting the poit 
of Boston was no sooner taken, than it w^as de- 
termined to order a military force to that town. 
General Gage, the commander in chief of the 
royal forces in North- America, was also sent 
with the additional capacity of governour of 
Massachusetts. Soon after his arrival, two 
regiments w^ere landed in Boston. These 
troops were by degrees reinforced with others 
from Ireland, New- York, Halifax, and Quebec* 

• • N2 



/ / 



142 History of Neiv -England, 

17. Four of the new counsellors who had 
been appointed by Mandamus, in pursuance of 
an act for altering the government of Massa- 
chusetts Bay, declined. Of those who accept- 
ed several were obliged to resign. The judges 
of the superior court who had accepted of sal- 
aries from the British government, by virtue of 
the act above alluded to, were interrupted in the 
discharge of their official duty. The counsel- 
lors, who had accepted their appointments, the 
commissioners of customs, and all who had 
taken an active part in favour of Great-Britain 
were obliged to screen themselves in Boston. 

18. At this period the provincial congress 
of Massachusetts, which was composed of del- 
egates from all parts of the province, exercised 
all the semblance of government, which existed 
in die province. Under the simple style of 
recommendations, they organized the militia, 
made ordinances respecting public monies, and 
such farther regulations as were necessary for 
preserving order, and defending themselves 
ag-ainst the British troops. 

19. Soon after the intelligence of the Boston 
port-bill reached America, the deputies of the 
colonies convened at Philadelphia, and passed 
several spirited resolutions, approving the op- 
position of the inhabitants of Massachusetts to 
the arbitrary proceedings of the British ministry, 
and declaring their determination to support 
them. They drew up a declaration of their 
rights, which they asserted were infringed by 
the British parliament in claiming a power of 
taxing the colonies without their consent. They 
also entered into an association, by which they 



History of Neto -England, 143 

bound themselves and their constituents to dis- 1774 
continue the importation of British goods till 
these obnoxious acts should be repealed. Con- 
gress next framed a bold and spirited remon- 
strance to the king, soliciting a redress of griev- 
ances ; an address to the English nation ; one 
to the colonies, and one to the French inhabi- 
tants of Canada. These papers were executed 
with uncommon energy and address. 

20. After the congressional proceedings 
reached Great-Britain, several other oppressive 
acts were passed against the colonies ; and as 
matters had proceeded so far as to preclude all 
hopes of reconciliation, the New-England col- 
onies were assiduous in preparing for war. 

21. In order to account for that ardent love 
of liberty which stimulated the New-England 
colonies to resist the arbitrary encroachments 
of the parent state, let it be remembered, that 
this country was first settled by those, who had 
groaned under the yoke of oppression and reli- 
gious persecution in their native country. The 
tyranny of the British government, which com- 
pelled them to seek an asylum in the new world, 
impressed their minds wath high ideas of their 
civil, and religious liberties, and the care they 
took to preserve them inviolate, was evinced 
by their early policy and establishments. 

22. As their charters gave them the power 
of choosing their own officers, these ideas were 
confirmed and heightened by the habits of act- 
ing as freemen. Whenever they conceived 
their liberties in danger, we find traits of the 
same spirit which severed them from Britain. 
This habit of resisting every encroachment ift 



144 History of Ncxv -England. 

its infancy, invigorated their minds, and pre- 
pared them for greater exertions, when the ty- 
ranny of Britain attempted to subjugate them 
by farther innovations. 

23. The sagacity of the Americans is also 
greatly to be admired. It has been justly ob- 
served, that the annals of other nations have pro- 
duced instances of successful struggles against 
a yoke previously imposed ; but the records of 
history do not furnish an example of a people, 
whose penetration had anticipated the operations 
of tyranny ; and whose spirit had disdained to 
suffer an infringement upon their liberties."* 

24. The long period which elapsed between 
the stamp act, and the commencement of hos- 
tilities, called forth the most distinguished abil- 
ities, and developed characters, which will be 
remembered with immortal honour in the annals 
of America, f The writings of these eminent 
men diffused knowledge among the great body 
of the people, and they became well acquainted 
with the grounds of the dispute betw^een Britain 
and the colonies. The flame of liberty which 
was first kindled in New- England enlightened 
the continent ; and to the early exertions of this 
part of the country the other colonies in a great 
measure owe their liberty and independence. 
The force of public opinion, the energy of 
American counsels, and their success in arms, 

* See John Q. Adams' Oration, July 4, 1793, page 10. 

f James Otis, esq. of Boston, held a distinguished rank 
among the early defenders of American freedom. He was 
eminent for his abilities, learning, independence of character, 
and energy of mind. In 1765, he published an essay, entitled, 
** Rights of the British Colonies, asserted and proved." Seer 
Mrs. Warren's History of th« American War, vol. i. 



History of New -En gland, 145 

caused one of the most extraordinary revolu- 
tions in history, replete with tlie most important 
consequences to mankind. 



CHAPTER XVII. 
1774—1775. 

The Commencement of Hostilities at Lexington^ 
Boston invested by a provincial Army, Pub- 
lic Fast. Ticonderoga and Crown Poifit 
taken. Reinforcements arrive from Great 
Britain. Bunker -Hill Battle, The conti- 
nental Congress orgajiize a regular Army, and 
appoint General Washington commander tn 
chief, Falmouth burnt by the British, The 
Canada Expedition, The Colonies of Fir- 
ginia. North and South Carolina expel their 
Governours. 

1. A HE important era at len^h arrived, 
in which the Americans had no alternative, 
but to submit to the impositions of arbitrary 
power, or refer their cause to the decision of 
arms. 

2. General Gage, being informed that the 
provincials had deposited military stores at 
Worcester and Concord, sent a number of Brit- 
ish troops to destroy them. This detachment 
met a company of militia, which was assembled 
at Lexington, to oppose their design. Major 
Pitcairn, the British officer who led the advanced 
corps, commanded them to disperse, and upon 
their still continuing in a body, discharged lais 



146 Hist or y of New -England, 

1775 pistol, and ordered his soldiers to fire. A skir> 
mish ensued, and several of the militia were 
killed. The regulars proceeded to Concord 
and destroyed the stores. On their return they 
were attacked and terribly harrassed by a large 
body of the provincials, who fired from behind 
fences and walls.* 

3. At Lexington the British were joined by 
a detachment of 900 men, under lord Percy, 
who had been sent out by general Gage, to 
support lieutenant colonel Smith. This rein- 
forcement, having two pieces of cannon, awed 
the provincials, and kept them at a greater dis- 
tance ; but they continued a constant though 
irregular and scattering fire, which did great 
execution. At length, the royal detachment 
reached Bunker's Hill, worn down with exces- 
sive fatigue, having travelled that day between 
thirty and forty miles. The next day they 
reached Boston. The British had 65 killed, 
180 wounded, and 48 made prisoners. The 
Americans had 50 killed, and 38 wounded and 
missing. 

1775 4. To prevent the people in Boston from 
joining their countrymen, general Gage agreed 
to permit the inhabitants to remove with their 
families and effects, if thev would deliver their 
arms. A large number complied with this 
condition, and the agreement was at first punc- 
tually observed. But in a short time he treach- 
erously detained many, suspecting that if the 
enemies of the British government were all 
safely removed, the town would be set on fire. 

* Ramsay, vol. i. p. 18r. 



History of Nexv- England. 147 

5. The provincial congress of Massachu- 1775 
setts, which was in session at the time of Lex- 
ington battle, voted that an army of 30,000 men 
should immediately be raised, and that 13,600 
should be of their own province; and that a 
letter and delegates should be sent to the other 
New- England colonies. In consequence of this 
Boston was invested by an army of 20,000 men , 

and the command of this force was given to 
general Ward. They were soon after joined 
by a large body of Connecticut troops, under 
the command of general Putnam, a brave and 
experienced officer. The continental congress 
also recommended a general fast to be observed 
on the 20th of July through all the colonies.* 

6. As the necessity of securing Ticonderoga 
was early attended to by many in New- England, 
Colonel Arnold w'as sent from Connecticut to 
engage the people on the Nev/- Hampshire grants 
in this expedition ; and being joined by colonel 
Ethen Allen of Bennington, v/ho raised a body 
of troops for this purpose, they surprised the 
garrison of Ticonderoga, and took it, with its 
military stores, without the loss of a single man. 
Crown Point was taken the same day by colonel 
Seth Warner. By this expedition the Ameri- 
cans obtained the command of Lake Champlaii?, 
which secured them a passage into Canada, f 

7. On the 25th of May, three distinguished 
British generals, Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton, 
with a great part of the troops which were or- 
dered from Great-Britain, arrived in Boston. 
After general Gage was thus reinforced, he is- 
sued a proclamation, declaring the province of 

* Ramsay. f Gordon, vol. ii. page 19. 



148 History of New, England, 

i775 Massj!chusetts to be in a state of rebellion ; and 
offering pardon to all, except Samuel Adams 
and John Hancock, provided they would imme- 
diately lay down their arms, and return to their 
respective occupations. 

8. The Americans supposing this proclama- 
tion to be a prelude for hostilities, prepared for 
action. On the 16th of June a detachment of 
1000 American troops took possession of Breed's 
Hill, and laboured during the night with such 
diligence, that by the daw^n of day they had 
thrown up a redoubt, about eight rods square. 
The British, at day-light began a heavy firing 
from their ships, and from their fortification at 
Copp's Hill, and an incessant shower of shot 
and bombs was poured upon the American 
works ; yet but one man was killed. 

9. About noon, 3,000 British troops, the 
flower of the army, were sent to dislodge them 
from this post. They advanced deliberately, 
that their artillery might demolish the new raised 
works. The Americans reserved their fire till 
the near approach of their enemies, and then 
began such a furious and incessant discharge of 
small arms, that the royal troops retreated with 
precipitation. The officers rallied and pushed 
tiiem forward with their swords, but they were 
a second time obliged to retreat. 

10. The officei's, animated with a high sense 
of British honour, being determined to carry 
their point in spite of all opposition, redoubled 
their exertions, and general Clinton arrived and 
joined them at this critical moment. Their 
united and strenuous efforts succeeded in re- 
newing the attack ; and, as the powder of the 



History of New -England, 14f 

Americans began to fail, the British at •length 1775 
compelled them to abandon their post. 

11.- During the bloody conflict, general 
Gasre ordered Charlestoi^n to be set on fire, and 
nearly four hundred houses, mcludingfive pub- 
lic buildings, wer€ destroyed. But though 
this town was a place of great trade, this loss 
did not discourage the Americans, who were 
indiflerent to property, when put in competition 
"with liberty. 

12. Fifteen hundred Americans were en- 
gaged in this action, 77 were killed, and 278 
w^ounded and missing. The death of the brave 
and accomplished general Warren, who fouglit 
as a volunteer, was particularly lamented. The 
royal army lost 1054 ; nineteen commissioned 
ofiicers were killed, and 70 more w^ere wound- 
ed. The battle of Quebec in 1759, which gave 
Great-Britain the possession of Canada, was 
not so destructive to her officers as tiiis attack 
of a slight inti'enchment, the work of a few 
hours onlv.* * 

13; The Americans Fea^-ed that the British 
ti'oops would push the advantage they had gain- 
ed, and march immediately to the head quar- 
ters at Cambridge, which were in no state of 
defence. But they advanced no farther than 
Bunker's hill, where they threw up works for 
their own security. The provincials did the 
same on Prospect hill, in front of them, about 
half way to Cambridge. 

14. The spirit displayed by the troops dur- 
ing this battle encouraged the second continea- 
O 
• Gordon, vol. ii. p. 4f . 



fSO History -of J\e\v- England, 

1775 tal congress, convened at Philadelphia, after a 
military opposition to Great-Britain w:ts resolved 
upon, to proceed \^'ith alacrity in their prepara- 
tion to carry on the war. George Washington, 
esq. a native of Virginia, was by a unanimous 
vote appointed commander in chief. He united 
«very quality necessary to render hhn eminent 
in this exalted station. On the second of July 
he arrived at Cambridge, where he was joyful- 
ly received, and took command of the country 
militia who invested the town of Boston.-^ 

15. The Massachusetts assembly and conti- 
nental congress both resolved to fit out armed 
vessels to cruise upon the American coast, and 
to intercept warlike stores and supplies. But 
previously to their making any captures, Fal- 
mouth, now Portland, was burnt by captain 
Mowat, by the orders of the British admiral at 
Boston. The first naval attempt of tlie Ameri^ 
cans Vv^as crowned with success. Captain Man- 
ly, in a continental cruiser, captured a British 
vessel loaded with military stores. 

16. The chief command of the American 
campaigns in the northern depaitment was given 
to major-general Montgomery, who soon took 
St. Johns, and Montreal. In September a de- 
tachment from Cambridge, under the command 
of colonel Arnold, was ordered to penetrate in- 
to Canada, by the way of the Kennebec. Af- 
ter enduring incredible fatigue, aiid suffering 
with sickness and famine, part of this detach- 
ment joined general Montgomery, and com- 
menced the siege of Quebec. The general at 
length determined to storm the town, and hav- 

* Rfwusay. 



History of New -England. 151 

ing passed the first barrier, he advanced boldly 1775 
to attack a second which was much stronger ; 
when a well directed fire from the enemy put 
an end to the life of this enterprizing officer. 
Most of his other officers shared the same fate, 
and colonel Campbell, on whom the command 
devolved, thought proper to order a retreat. 

17. In the mean time colonel Arnold, at the 
head of 350 men, passed to attack St. Rogues, 
and received a \\'0und which disabled him. Af- 
ter sustaining th.e whole force of the garrison 
for three hours, his party w^ere obliged to yield 
to superior force. Large numbers of the Amer- 
icans w^ere made prisoners.. Sir Guy Carlton, 
tlie British commander, endeavoured to allevi- 
ate the distressed situation of the sick and 
wounded among them by the most humane and 
generous conduct.-* 

18. Alter the failure of this expedition a 
series of misfortunes for some time attended 
the American operations in the north ; and the 
British gained possession of most of the places 
that had been taken from them.f 

19. Whilst the flame of contention raged in 
the north, the royal governours in Virginia, 
North and South Carolina were expelled, and 
obliged to take refuge on board men of wan 
At the close of this year Great-Britain beheld 
all the colonies united against her in the most 
determined opposition. 

20. Dr. Ramsay observes, that *^as arms 
were to decide the controversy, it was fortunate 
for the Americans that the first blood was dra^\Ti 

* Ramsay, vol. i. p. 242. 

t Historical Joiirnal of the American War. 



152 History of New -England. 

1775 in New-England. The Inhabitants of that conn- 
try are so connected with each other by descent, 
manners, religion, politics, and a general equal- 
ity, that the killing of an individual interested 
the whole, and made them consider it as a com- 



•}■> 



pion cause. 

2 1 . The undaunted courage which the New- 
England militia exhibited at Lexington, Concord, 
and Breed's hill, affords a convincing proof how 
much may be done by men inspired with an 
enthusiasm for liberty, without the aid of military 
discipline. The dispute between Britain and her 
colonies had long been a popular subject. The 
prevailing ideas at that time were a detestation 
of arbitrary powder, and a determined resolution 
to resist, even with the sword. The people in 
general, were well informed respecting the causes 
of the contest, and they had been highly irritated 
by repeated encroachments upon their privileges. 
Whilst their minds v/ere wrought to this high 
pitch, those who had never seen a battle, pre- 
viously to this period, dared to encounter the 
Tvell disciplined forces of the British nation. 



History of Nexv- England, 153 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

1775— 177V. 

Boston evacnatecL The British are repulsed at 
Charlestown, American Independence de- 
clared* Battle at Long -Island, The Ameri- 
cans retreat to Ne^v-York, Capt. Hale sent 
as a Spy to Long-Island^ and executed by the 
British, Rhode-Island taken. The desperate 
Situation of American Affairs, Battles of 
Trenton and Princeton, Battle of Brandy- 
ivine, Pldladelphia taken. Battle of Ger- 
mantown . General Burgoyne appointed Com- 
mander in the northern Department, Ticon- 
deroga abandoned. Battle at Bennington,. 
General Burgoyne"* s Army are surrounded on, 
all sides, and surrender, ^ 

1. J3URING this period, the British 
troops were blockaded in Boston, and reduced 
to great distress for want of provisions and fuel. 
General Washington proposed a qifestion to the 
council of war on the 1.6th of February, wheth- 
er Cambridge and Roxbury bays being frozen 
over, a general assault should not be made on 
Boston. A negative being given to this ques- 
tion, the army determined to possess themselves 
of Dorchester heights, and in order to conceal 
their design, and divert the attention of the gar- 
rison, a very heavy savice of cannon and mor- 
tars began to play upon the town from other 
directions, and was continued for three days. 

2. On the night of the fourth of Maixh, 1776 
1200 men were employed in erecting works on 
Dorchester heights, and in the mornhig had 

02 



154 History if New -England.. 

1 776 completed lines of defence which astonished tlis 
garrison at Boston. The ftdmiral informed 
general Howe, that if the Americans kept pos- 
session of these heights, he should not be able 
to keep one of his majesty's ships in the harbour. 
It was therefore determined in a council of war 
to dislodge them. But the expected engage- 
ment being prevented by a violent storm, the 
royal army, accompanied by the tories,* on the 
17th of March, evacuated the town. General 
Washington and his army, immediately after 
marched inta Boston,, and he was recei^^ed with 
the gratitude and respect due to a deliverer. 

3. In the following summer, general Clinton 
and Sir Peter Parker were repulsed with great 
loss at Charleston in South- Carolina, and the 
southern states, for two years and a half, obtain- 
ed a respite from the calamities of vrar. 

4. On the 4th of July of this memorable 
year, congress published their declaration of In- 
dependence, which was perfectly agreeable to 
the republican habits and manners of New- Eng- 
land. Tliis measure was warmly supported by 
John Adams, late president of the United States, 
who, on that occasion, strongly urged the im- 
mediate dissolution of all political connexion of 
the colonies with Great-Britain ; from the voice 
of the people, from the necessity of the measure, 
in order to obtain assistance, from a regard to 
consistency, and from a prospect of glory and 
happiness which opened beyond the war to a 
free and independent people. f 

5. The most vigorous exertions were ne- 
cessary to maintain the independence thus boldly 

* Adherente to the British. t Ranway, vol. i. p^ 340. 



History of Nexi) -England, 155 

proclaimed. General Washington was station- I776i 
ed at New- York, and engaged in fortifying that 
city and the adjacent islands. General Howe 
landed his troops at Staten- Island, where after 
being joined by lord Ho\^ e, with a great arma- 
ment, they sent proposals for an accommodation 
with the colonies,, which they unanimously re- 
jected.! 

6. The decision of the controversy being, 
now by both parties left to the sw^ord, an action 
took place at Long-Island, in which the Amer- 
icans were surrounded on all sides, and totally 
defeated. Their number of killed, wounded, 
and prisoners, considerably exceeded 1000 men. 
After this battle, the American army left the 
island, and were conveyed to Ne^v-York, over 
East river. A thick fog, which hovered over 
Long- Island,, concealed them from the British, 
and enabled them to complete their retreat with- 
out interruption. 

7. '* This retreat left tjie British in complete 
possession of Long-Island. General Washington 
was extremely desirous of obtaining information 
of their situation, their strength, and future move- 
ments. For this purpose he applied to col. Kn owl- 
ton, and desired him to adopt some mode of gain- 
ing the necessaiy information. Col. Knowlton 
communicated this request to capt. Nathan Hale, 
of Connecticut, who belonged to his regiment. 

8. *' This young officer, anim.ated by a sense 
of dut}^, and ^considering that an opportunity 
presented itself by which he might be useful to 
his country, at once oiFered himself as a volun- 
teer for this hazardous service. He passed m 

t Marshall's Life of Washington, vol iii. p. 58. 



15G History of Nexv- England* 

1776 disguise to Long-Island, examined every part 
of the British army, and obtained every possible 
information respecting their situation and future 
operations,'^ 

9.. ^' In his attempt to return he was appre- 
hended, carried before Sir William Hovv-e, and 
the proof of his object was so clear, that he 
frankly acknowledged who he was,, and what 
were his views. The following morning he was 
executed, in a most imfeeling manner. A cler- 
gyman, ^\hose attendance he desired, was re- 
iused him, and a bible for a few moments de- 
votion was not procured although he earnestly 
requested it. The letters which he wrote to his 
friends on the morning of his execution were 
destroyed, and this extraordinary reason given, 
by the provost marshal, * ' that the rebels should 
not know, that tliey had a man in their army, 
who could die with so much firmness." 

10. Unknow^n to all around him, without a 
single friend to offer him the least consolation, 
thus fell as amiable, and as worthy a young man,, 
as America could boast,, with this dying obser- 
vation, '' that he only lamented that he had but; 
one life to lose for his country. "*^ 

11, Neither the expectation of promotion,, 
nor of pecuniary reward, induced him to the 
attempt. A sense of duty, a hope that, in this- 
way he might be useful to his country, and an. 
opinion which he had adopted, that every kind 
of service necessary to the public good became 
honourable by being necessary, were the great 

* Captain Hale was born in Coventry in Connecticut, and 
educated in Yale College, where he graduated in If^'S. »5es 
Hohnes* Amencan Annals, vol. ii. p. Z^% 



History of Ne-m-Enghmd. 157 

rjiolives which induced him to engage in an en- 1775 
terprize by which his connexions lost a most 
amiable friend, and his country one of its most 
promising supporters."^ 

12. At the close of the year 1776, the affairs 
of the United States wore a gloomy aspect. 
The city of New-York \^'as abandoned by the 
Americans and taken by the British. They had 
gained possession of York Island, by taking fort 
Washington, and fort Lee ; they were also suc- 
cessful at the Jerseys. The Americans were 
expelled from Canada ; their army was contin- 
ually diminishing, and was to be dismissed at 
^the end of the year. Notwithstanding all these 
disasterous events. Congress resolved to abide 
by their declared independence ; they made the 
most strenuous efforts to rouse the colonies to. 
vigorous exertions ; and proffered freedom of 
ti'ade to any foreign nation, trusting the event 
to Providence, and risking all consequences. t 

13. During the royal successes in the Jer- 
seys, general Clinton, with four brigades of 
British and Hessian troops, and a squadron of 
men of wai% under Sir Peter Parker, was sent to 
attempt the conquest of Rhode- Island. It was 
taken without the loss of a man, the American 
forces being incapable of making effectual re- 
sistance. 

14. In this alarming crisis of affairs, general 
Washington re-crossed the Delaware, with about 
2,200 men, attacked a body of Hessians, who 
were posted in Trenton, and took 900 prisoners, 

* The compilev of the History of New-England is indebted to 
Gen. llull, of Newton, for this interestine' account of Captain 
Hale. 

f Ramsay. Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. ii, p. 557. 



158 History of A^ew-England: 

who, supposing it impossible for the Americans ^ 
under their disadvantages, to commence offen- 
sive operations, were in a state of perfect securi- 

1777 15. In the beginning of the foHov»dng year 
he gained another important victory at Prince- 
ton. These events filled the British with con- 
sternation, and deranged all their plans. The 
Americans, animated and encouraged, soon re- 
co\^ered part of the Jerseys ; and the affairs of the 
United States began to assume a more favoura-il 
ble aspect. 

16. On the 24th of April a detachment of 
royalists under the command of governour Try- 
on of New York landed between Fairfield and 
Norwalk. They advanced through the country 
withx)ut intsrruption, and when they arrived at 
Danbury with wanton barbarity, burnt the place, 
and destroyed a large number of valuable arti- 
cles. A warm skirmish ensued, in which th® 
brave general Wooster, a native of New Haven 
was mortally wounded, and his troops compell- 
ed to give way. ^- 

17. After the possession of Philadelphia was 
discovered to be the great object of the British 
movements, general Washington in order to 
protect that c-ity hazarded an action which took 
place at Brandy wine creek. The Americans 
were overpowered, and suffei'ed great loss. Af- 
ter various movements of the regular army, on 
the 26tk of September, gen. Howe made his 
triumphal entry into Philadelphia, where he was 
most cordially received by the royalists. t 

* Ramsay vol. il, p. 4. 

t See Mfk-rshall's Life of Washington, vol, iii, p. 144' 



History of Nerw -England, 159 

18. On the 4th of October the two annies 1777 
were again engaged at Germantovvn ; and though 

in the commencement of the action the Ameri- 
cans had the advantage, the British were finally 
victorious. Their succeeding operations, in or- 
der to open the navigation of the Delaware, w^ere 
tUso crowned with success, 

19. In the mean time the command in the 
northern department was given to gen. Bur- 
goyne, an officer of distinguished reputation. 
As the four provinces of New-Englawd had o- 
riginally begun the confederation against Britain, 
and were the most active and zealous in the con- 
test, it was thought that an impression made upon 
them would contribute in an effectual manner to 
the reduction of all the rest. For this purpose 
the general, with mere than seven thousand w^ell- 
disciplined troops, aided by several tribes of 
Indians, was determined to make an impression 
on them. The campaign opened with the siege 
ofTiconderogao 

20. The royal army within a few days after 
their arrival, had surrounded three fourtlisof the 
American works at Ticonderoga, and Mount- 
Independence.; and had also advanced a work 
on Sugar Hill, which, when completed Avould 
have invested the continental army on all sides. 
In this situation, gen. St. Clair resolved to eva- 
cuate the post ; though he was sensible this mea- 
sure would expose his conduct to the severest 
censures. *- 

21. The loss of Ticonderoga and Mount- 
Independence spread astonishment and terror 
thi ough the New-England states. Yet instead 

* Rjunsa^ vol. u. p. 9(>. 



1€0 History of New-Eiiglcmd, 

1777 ^f sinking undtr the apprehensions of danger, 
they exerted themselves with energy in recruit- 
ing their army, and, in order to clieck the prog- 
ress of their British invaders, such nurftbcrs of 
volunteers ^vere daily added that the people be- 
gan to recover froin their first alarm.* 

22. As the principal force of the American 
army lay in front between gen. Burgoyne and 
Albany, he hoped by advancing towards them, 
to reduce them to the necessity of fighting or of 
retreating to New- England. In the march of 
the British towards Albany, several actions took 
place l^etween them and the Americans, and the 
regulars as well as the Indians, in their interest 
suffered very considerably, in these difierent 
skirmishes. The principal action happened at 
Bennington, when gen. Stark, of New-Hamp- 
shire, commanded the American militia. About 
800 men, without bayonets, or a single piece of 
artillery, attacked and routed 500 regular troops, 
advantageously posted behind entreanchments, 
furnished with the best arms, and defended with 
two pieces of artillery. 

23. Colonel Breyman with a reinfor-cement 
aiTived on the field after the action, and was de- 
feated bv the Americans on the same dav, 
Colonel Baum, the British commander, and 
about 600 men, including part of Breyman's 
reinforcement, were made prisoners, and the 
artillery and other arms taken by the Americans. 

24. This victory restored spirit to the Amer- 
ican army, and occasioned dejection and dismay 
to the British. The militia collected from all 
parts of New- England to retard their piogress ; 

* Ramsay, vol. ii. p. 29. 



History of New-England, 161 

but at length Gen. Burgoyne, after passing 1^775 
Hudson's river with his army, encamped on the 
heights and on the plains of Saratoga. An ex- 
tremely severe action toolc place at Stillwater. 
Both armies suftered considarable loss ; but the 
advantage was <lecidedly with the Americans.^ 

25. From this time till near the middle of 
October, skirmishes ensued between the two 
armies, and the British were greatly reduced 
and weakened. In the mean time miUtia and 
volunteers were continually arriving from New- 
England, and at length Gen. Burgoyne was in- 
vested with an army nearly three times as great 
as his own forces. Wheir, on the 15th, he found 
that his troops had only a scanty subsistence for 
three days, and no prospect of a speedy relief, 
he called a council of w^ar, and by the unani- 
mous advice of this council, he was induced to 
open a treaty^ with general Gates, the American 
commander, by which it was finally stipulated 
among other articles, that the troops should 1777 
march out of their camp with the honours of 
war. The number of these that surrendered 
amounted to 5752 f men; a large number of 
military stores were also taken by the Americans. 

26. The surrender of Saratoga forms a mem- 
orable era in the American war. This event 
occasioned great giief and dejection in Britain, 
w^hile it animated and encouraged the Ameri- 
cans , and the celebrity of capturing a large ar- 
my of British and Gennan troops^ soon procur- 
ed them powerful friends in Europe. 

27. During the three preceding years> the 
Americans had resisted the arbitrary measures 

^ Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. iii. p. 2f7'. 
^ Hoimes* Auaeiican Annids. 



162 History of Nexv- England. 

!1777 ^^ Britain with the sword, without the assist- 
ance of any foreign power. In the first year, 
they had exhibited undaunted courage in the 
battles of Lexington and Bunker's Hill ; block- 
aded the regular army in Boston ; expelled the 
*royal governours,, and repelled the attempts of 
the British against the southern colonies. In 
the year 1776, animated with heroic fortitude^ 
they renounced their allegiance to Great-Britain, 
and declared independence. In the most gloomy 
situation of affairs, during this eventful period, 
we find the Americans, inspired with an uncon- 
•^querable spirit of liberty, persist in defending 
their recently assumed independence with the 
sword. 

2,8. In 1777 their affairs began to wear a 
brighter aspect. The victory of Bennington 
paved the way for the capture of Burgoyne's 
.army ; and the capture of his arn^y was the event 
which procured them foreign assistance in the 
subsequent year. It appears from this imper- 
fect review^ that^ undtr heaven, the blessings 
of liberty and independence were chiefly pur- 
chased by the wise counsels, the undaunted 
resolution, and the energetic exertions of tlie 
Americans. However, their success ought ev- 
er ultimately to be asaribed to the good provi- 
dence of the Lord. From the first settlement 
aio nation ^had ever experienced more extraordi- 
«try interpositions of Providence than Ameri- 
ca ; and at no period were those interpositions 
more singularly visible, thau during the contro- 
^£i'sy with Britain* 



History of JVexv-Eugland 163' 

CHAPTER XIX. 

1778—1781. 

Treaty hctnveen France and America, British 
Cominissioners are sent to negociate a Peace. 
Their Terms are rejected. • The Roy at Army 
burn Part of Warren and Bristol. Phila- 
delphia evacuated. The Battle of Freehold 
or Monmouth. The Americaiis make an un- 
successful Attempt to regain Rhode-Island. 
TJie British gain Possession of Savannah* 
Governour Tryon^s destructive Expedition in- 
to Connecticut. Brave Action of General 
Putnam. General Wayne storms Stoney- 
Point. The Americans^ unsuccessful Attempt 
against a Post in Penobscot. Charleston be- 
sieged and surrendered to the British. Battle 
of Camden. The Academy of Arts and 
Sciences instituted in Massachusetts. Gene- 
ral Arnold agrees to deliver West- Point to 
the British. Unhappy Fate of Major Andre. 
Virginia invaded by Arnold. Of the War in 
South-Carolina.. Battle at Eittaw.. Springs, 

1. J^OON after the intelligence of the 
capture of Burgoyne reached Europe, the king 
of France x:oncluded treaties of alliance ai^ 
commerce with the United States. This im- 
portant transaction was the fruit of long nego- ^ * '^ 
ciation. As early as 1776 Congress sent an 
agent to that kingdom with instructions to soli- 
cit its friendship and to procure military stores. 
But the French nation refused to act openly arid 
decidedly in their favour, till the capture, of. 



164 History of New -England* 

1778 Bnrgoyne's army convinced them that there 
was the utmost probability. thaU the miited ef- 
forts of the Americans would 'finally be success- 
fuU As the Frencli court was persuaded that 
It was for their interest that the power of Eng- 
land should be diminished by the separation of 
the colonies from its government, it was finally 
determined to espouse their cause. * 

2. When the British ministry were inform- 
ed of this treaty tTicy dispatched commissioners 
to attempt a reconciliation ; but fotmd all their 
endeavours ineffectual. In no one place not iirt- 
mediately commanded by the British army, 
was there any attempt to accept these proposals, 
or even any deliberation on ^^|be propriety of 

■ closing with the offers of Britain. 

3. Notwithstanding these pacific negocia- 
tions the royal army continued tneir devastation 
with fire and sword. In the latter part of May, 
five hundred British and Hessians made an ex- 
cursion from Rhode- Island, destroyed a num- 
ber of scores and burnt the meeting-house in 
Warren, the church in Bristol, and a consider- 
able number of buildings in each town. 

4. In the summer of this year,, general 
Clinton, w-ho succeeded general Howe, evacua- 
ted Philadelphia. In their march to New- York 
tliey were attacked by the Americans, and an^ 
action took place at Monmouth, or Freehold,, in 
which general Lee was charged by General 
Washington with disobedience and misconduct 
in reti-eating before the British troops, and ^vas 

• Ramsay, vol. li. pa^e 64. Mai'*h^li'» L.ife of Washin^on, 
vol. iii. page 41 1 — 4X7. 



Ilistory of New -England, 165 

suspended from his command in the American ^^78 
army for one year.*- 

5, The British had bat just completedthe re- - 
moval of their fleet and army from the Dela- 
ware and Philadelphia, to the harbour and city . 
of Nev/-York, when they receiv^ed intelliii^ence 
that a fleet, Avhich was commanded by Count 
D'Estaiag, was on the coast of America. Their 
first object was the surprize of Lord Howe's 
fleet in the Delaware, but they arrived too late. 
^,.6. The next attempt of Count D'Estainy 
fvas against Rhode-Island, of which the British 
held been in possession since December, 1776*- 
A combined attack against it was projected, .and 
it was agreed that Genei^al Sullivaushould com- 
mand the land forces. After he hadcoilected 
about 10,000 men, of whom, at least one half 
were volunteers from New-England, he with? 
his army passed over to the Island, on the 8th 
of August, at the same time the Frendii fleet : 
entered the harbour of Newport. - 

7. Lord Howe received intelligence of the = 
danger which threatened Rhode-Island, and has- 
tened to its relief. The French admiral put out 
to sea with his whole fleet to attack him. Tlie 
engagement w^as prevented by a violent tempest, 
in which both fleets were greatly damaged. Tfie 
French fleet, wdiich suffered more in the storm 
than their adversaries, returned to Newport, in 
a very sliattered condition^ on the 10th of Au- 
gust, and two days after, Count D'Estaing sail- 
ed for Boston in order to reflthis ships. 

8. In the mean time General Sullivan had 
commenced his military operations, but Gene- 

P2 

• See Washington's Letters, vol. iv. page 2ZS». 




166^ History of New-England. 

1778 ral Pigot, who commanded die British garrison 
on Rhode- Island, had taken such measures, that 
without the assistance of a marine force it was 
impossible to attack him with any probability of 
success. General Sullivan however retreated to 
the north end of the island, and a spirited ac- 
tion took place, in which the Americans repul- 
sed the pursuers ; but Lord Howe's fleet being 
seea off the coast, general Sullivan concluded 
immediately to evacuate Rhode- Island. He re- 
treated in excellent order, without leaving a man 
behind.^ 

9. This campaign having produced nothing 
advantageous to the British, and the winter being 
a proper season for southern expeditions, they 
concluded to turn their arms against Georgia. 
This enterprize was committed to colonel 
Campbell, an officer of courage and ability ^ 
the forces appointed to act under him amounted 
to 2,500. After the troops had effected a land- 
ing near the mouth of the Savannah, they be- 
gan an attack with so much spirit and intrepidi- 
ty, that they gained a complete victory. Up- 
ward of 100 of the Americans were killed and 
a large number made prisoners. The military 
stores, shippii-^ in the river, a large quantity of 
provisioiiS;, wi& the capital of Georgia, fell in- 
to the hands of the conquerors, f 

1779 10. At the opening of this year, the British 
began their operations with expeditious tending 
rather to distress the Am-ericans, than to benefit- 
their own cause. For this purpose governour 
Tryon and Sir George Collier made an excur- 
sion into Connecticut, and after plundering the 



liktory of NexV' England. 167 

town of New- Haven, and perpetrating variou-s 
species of enormity, the invaders suddenly re- 
embarked and proceeded by water to Fairfield 
and set the tow^n on lire. The British, in this 
excursion, also burnt East-Haven, the greatest 
part of Green-Farms, and the flourishing town 
of Norwalk. 

11. The campaign of this yeaf was distin- 
guished by tlie capture of Stoney-Point, on the 
North River. General Wayne w^as the com- 
mcinding officer in the enterprize, and the troops 
were chiefly natives of Ne^^ -England. All the 
Massachusetts light infantry marched from 
West-Point under lieutenant colonel Hull on the 
morning of the iSth of July, and joined general 
Wayne on Sandy- Point, fourteen miles from 
Stoney-Pohit; notwithstanding they were obliged 
to pass over high mountains, through difficult 
defiles and morasses, they arrived by eight in 
the evening, soon commenced an attack ; and 
in the face of an incessant fire of muskets and 
of cannon loaded with grape shot, forced their 
way at the point of the bayonet, through every 
obstacle, till the van of each column met in the 
centre of the works, and the garrison was obliged 
to surrender at discretion.* 

12. After this successful enterprize^ the 
State of Massachusetts formed a plan to dislodge 
tiie British from a fort which they had establish- 
ed on the river Penobscot. But, though they 
collected a considerable force to eflect this pur- 
pose, the whole fleet was destroyed, and those 
who returned by land ^^'ere obliged to wander 
through immense deserts whilst a scarcity of 
provisions augmented their calamity. 

• lUmsay, vol. ii p, 3. ^ 



163 llistory of New- England. 

779 13. Whilst the progress of the war in the 
northern States was marked with devastation 
and distress, the affairs of the Americans at the 
southward wore a more alarming aspect. Gen- 
eral Lincoln and count De Estaing. were re- 
pulsed at Savannah, and the greatest part of 
Georgia was subdued. The British army, un- 
der the command of Sir Henry Clinton, early 
in the following year, commenced their op- 
erations^ against Charleston in South -Carolina. 
Though general Lincoln exerted himself to the 
utmost in its defence, he was compelled after a 
close siege, to surrender the town by capitula- 
tion. The number who surrendered prisoners 
of war, amounted to about 5,000. 
1780 14. It is remarkable that amidst the anxieties 
and avocations attending the* v/ar, the General 
Court of Massachusetts passed an act to incor- 
porate and establish a respectable literary soci- 
ety, by the name of the American Academy of 
Arts and Sciences. 

15. This year general Arnold, a native of 
Connecticut, betrayed the cause which he had 
often hazarded his life to defend ; and -formed a 
scheme for dehvering West-Point, of which he 
had the command, into the hands of the British, 
The agent, that Sir Henry CUnton employed in 
this negociation, was major Andre, in whom 
were united an elegant taste and cultivated mind, 
with the amiable qualities of candour, fidelity, and 
a delicate sense of honour. After an interview 
with general Arnold on bis return to New -York, 
he was apprehended, and a court of general offi- 
cers being appointed to examine his case, he 
was condemned and executed as a spy. His 



Hist or 1/ of JVexv- England, 169 

behaviour, during his trial, was calm and digni- 
fied, exciting the esteem and compassion even 
of his enemies, who deeply regretted the cruel 
necessity of sacrificing his life to policy and the" 
usages of war.^ 

16. Whilst the British forces were plunder- 
ing Virginia under Arnold, now brigadier gen- 
eral in the royal army, the war ravaged the 
two Carolinas. The success of the British in 
reducing Charleston, encouraged Lord Corn- 
wallis to make vigorous exertions to invade 
North-Carolina. His progress was retarded by 
an attempt made by the Americans under gen- 
eral Morgan, to gain possession of the valuable 
district of ninety-six. In order to counteract 
this. design, Lord Cornwallis detached lieut. 
col. Tarleton with about 1 100 men, who attack- 
ed general Morgan at the Cow-pens, near Pa- 
colet river. The Americans, after an obstinate 
contest J gained a complete victory. Upwards 
of three hundred of the British were killed or 
Vvounded, and about five hundred prisoners 
were taken. The Americans had only twelve 
men killed and sixty wounded. 

17. During this desolating war several ac- 
tions took place betv/een the British and Amer- 
*cans. In the battle of Guilford court-house^ 
md afterv*-ards in that of Camden, the disci- 
pline of veteran troops gained the victory. The 
niergetic exertions of general. Greene to recover 
South-Carolina, Arere, however in various in- 
stances, crow ned v. ith success ; and w hen in 
;he most gloomy state of his affairs, he was ad- 
►ised to retire to Virginia, he nobly replied, *'I 

•* Ramsay, 



170 History of Nexv-Englana, 

will recover South* Carolina, or die in the at- 
tempt." 

18:. After some unimportant skirmishes be- 
tween detached parties of both armies in July 
and August, on the 9th of September, general 
Greene, having assembled about 2,000 men, 
proceeded to attack the British, who, under the 
command of col. Stewait, were posted at Eutaw 
Springs. A most obstinate battle ensued in 
this place, and continued from nine o'clock in 
the morning till five in the aftenoon. General 
Greene was finally victorious and the British fled 
in all directions, after losing upw^arcfs of 1100 
men. The Americans lost about five hundred 
of which number were sixty officers. This 
brilliant and successful battle may be consider- 
ed as closing the national war in South- Car o* 
Una. 

19. In the train of illustrious men whose 
merits were developed by the American revolu- 
tion, general Greene, a native of Rhode-Island, 
holds a distinguished rank. Dr. Ramsay re-, 
marks, tliat he opened a campaign with gloomy 
prospects, but closed it with glory. His un- 
paid and half naked army had to contend with 
every thing that the ^\ealth of Britain or the 
plunder of Carolina could procure. Under all 
these disadvantages he compelled superior num- 
bers to retire to the extremitv of the State, and 
confine themselves in the capital and its vicinity. 
Had not his mind been of the firmest texture 
he would have been discouraged ; but his ene- 
mies found him as formidable in the evening of 
a defeat as in the morning of a victory.* 

• Ramsay, vol. xi. p. 254 



History of Nero-Englaii(L 171 

20. Though the American war exhibited 1781 
all the ferocious passions of human nature, and 
opened scenes deepl}^ woimding to the feehng 
heart, yet it developed all the energies of char- 
acter, and we contemplate during the unequal 
contest, with admiration the love of country, ris^ 
ing in many instances superior to every self- 
ish consideration ; an enthusiasm for liberty 
supplying the place of military discipline, and 
mvincible resolution, finally surmounting every 
.obstacle. 



CHAPTER XX, 

1781—1791, 

Juord Cornxvallk joins the royal Forrces in Fir-- 
ginia. The Marquis de la Fayette'' s judicious 
Movements., JLord CornxvalUs fortifies York- 
town ajid Glocester. Arnold^ s Expedition in- 
to Connecticut, Lord Cornivallis closely he- 
sieged in York town. He surrenders, Joy of 
the Americans on that Occasion, A defijiitive 
Treaty of Peace concluded. The A?nerican 
Army disbanded. General Wasliington re- 

' sxgns his Commission^ and retires to his Seat 
in Virginia. Difficidties after the Peace. Re- 
bellion in Massachusetts: The Federal Con- 
stitution established. General JFasJilrigtou 
.chosen President, Concluding Remarks, 

1. OOON after the battle at Guilford 
C^urt-House, Lord Cornwallis retired to Wil- ^781 
miiigton^ North-Carolina, and,^ preferring the 



17^ History of Nexv -England, 

scale of operations, which Virginia presented, 
to the narrow one of preserving past conquests, 
he determined to leave South-CaroUna, to be 
defended by Lord Ravvdon. Before the end of 
April he therefore proceeded to Virginia with a 
very powerful army, and soon after his arrival, 
was reinforced by 1,500 men from New- York. 

2. The defensive forces, which were oppo- 
sed to this powerful army, were principally in- 
trusted to the Marquis de la Fayette, ^ who had 
been dispatched from the miiin army to watch 
the motions of Lord Coniwallis in Virginia. 
Though his force was much mferior to that of 
the British general, yet, by a variety of judi- 
cious movements, he deranged his plans, 
and obliged him to retreat to Williamsburgh, 
and seek prote^ion under the British shipping. 
His lordship soon after evacuated Portsmouth, 
and assiduously exerted himself to fortify York - 
town and Glocester Point. His \^hole force 
amounted to about 7,000 excellent troops, f 

3. Whilst Lord Cornwallis was exerting 
himself to render his post impregnable, the 
French and Americans were equally active in 
their attempts to repel their enemies. On the 
14th of September general Washington reached 
Williamsto\wi, and with a number of his offi- 
cers visited Count de Grasse, and concerted a 
plan of operation. 

4. In the mean time Arnold made an excur- 
sion into Connecticut, and after burning sixty 
dwelling houses in New- London, and eighty- 
four stores, attacked Fort Griswold QXi: Groton 

* A French nobleman who made a distinguished figure,,^aflt 
the commencement of the French revolution. 
^ Gordon* voi. i. p. 184. 



' History of New -England, 173 

hill. Though the garrison defended themselves 178I 
with great resolution, the fort was taken by the 
British, who with their savage cruelty put the 
men to the sw^ord, even after their resistance 
had ceased. 

5. The combined armies of France and 
America began and conducted the siege of York- 
town with such energy and success, that Lord 
Cornwallis was reduced to the necessity of pre- 
paring for a surrender, or attempting an escape. 
He determined upon the latter, but his design 
was frustrated, and the British works were sink- 
ing under the weight of the French and Amer- 
ican artillery. Ail hopes of relief from New- 
York were over ; and the strength and spirits 
of the royal army worn down and exhausted by 
unremitting fatigue. In this desperate situation 
he sent out a flag with a letter to general Wash- 
ington requesting a cessation of arms for twenty- 
four hours ; that commissioners might be appoint- 
ed for settling the terms of capitulation. 

6. This request was complied v^ith, and on 
the 18th of October, the posts of York and 
Gloucester, with upwards of 7,000 prisoners 
were surrendered. The reduction of the Brit- 
ish army was considered as decisive of the in- 
dependence of America, and occasioned luii- 
versal transports of joy in the great body of the 
people. * 

7. About three months after the capture of 
Lord Cornwallis was known in Great- Britain, 
the king and parliament resolved to abandon all 
oflPensi^^e operations in America. And^ on the 
3d of September, 1783, the definitive treaties 

Q 

* Ramsay, vol. ii. p. 192.- 



174 History of New -England. 

1781 ^f peace were concluded with the belligerent 
powers. The indefatigable exertions of the 
American commissioners, particularly those of 
John Adams, late president of the United States, 
procured highly advantageous terms for the 
Americans. The army was disbanded, and the 
magnanimous commander in chief retired to 
his delightful seat at Mount Vernon, in Vir- 
ginia. 

8. No sooner was peace restored by the de- 
finitive treaty, and the British troops withdrawn 
from the country, than the United States began 
to experience the defects of their general gov- 
ernment. Articles of confederation, and per- 
petual union had been formed by Congress in 
1778, and submitted to the consideration of the 
States. In 1781, they were ratified as the frame 
of government for the United States. These 
articles however were formed during the rage of 
war, when a principle of safety supplied the 
place of a coercive power, by men who had no 
experience in the art of governing an extensive 
country, hence the numerous defects in the 
confederation. 

9. The long war through which the States 
had struggled, involved them in a debt which 
on the return of peace amounted to about forty 
millions of dollars. To provide funds for pay- 
ing their continental debt, engaged the attention 
of Congress for some time before, and after the 
peace. At length a system for funding, and 
ultimately paying the whole public debt, was 
completed and oftered to the States for their rat- 
ification. * 

• Ramsay, vol. il. p. 192. 



History of jYew-JLTigland. 175 

10. The heavy taxes which Massachusetts 
was obhged to lay upon the people in order to 
comply with the requisitions of Congress, were 
loudly complained of by the inhabitants of that 
State, and caused them to feel in the most sen- 
sible manner, the inconveniences which they 
suffered from a decline, or rather an extinction 
of public credit, a relaxation of manners, a free 
use of foreign luxuries, a decay of trade and 
manufactures, with a prevailing scarcity of 
money.* 

11. The general discontent of tlie peoplo^iygg 
arose to such a degree as to produce acts of vio- 
lence. In the year 1786 insurrections took 
place in various parts to impede the sitting of 

the several courts of justice ; and at length a 
formidable number of insurgents assembled 
with Daniel Shays, who had been at their head, 
and threatened a subversion of the constitution 
and government of the State. 

12. The violence and disorder of the insur- 
gents became so alarming that the government 
was under the necessit}^ of employing military 
force to suppress them. For this purpose the 
govemour, during the winter of this year, de- 
tached a body of militia under the command of 
general Lincoln, who repaired immediately to 
tlie county of Hampshire, where the insurgents 
were principally convened. They attempted to 
gain possession of the military stores in the pub- 
lic arsenal at Springfield ; but were resolutely 
repulsed by a small party of militia under the 
command of general Shepard. This assault 
was conducted with so little order and regulari» 

• Miuot, p. 2a 



176 History of New -England. 

1786 ty that a few discharges from the artillery , threw 
them into confusion, and made them retreat in 
disorder, with the loss of four men. ^- 

13. The spirited conduct of general Shepard, 
w^ith the industry, perseverance, and prudent 
firmness of general Lincoln, dispersed the rebels, 
drove the leader from the State ; and restored 
tranquillity. An act of indemnity was passed 
for all the insurgents, except a few of their lead- 
ers, on condition that they should become peace- 
able subjects, and take the oath of allegiance. 
The leaders afterwards petitioned for, and ob- 
tained pardon, on condition that they never should 
accept, or hold any office, civil or military, in the 
Commonwealth . f 

14. The disagreeable events above recited 
were overruled for great national good. For 
from the obvious defects in the articles of con- 
federation, the people were induced to see the 
necessity of establishing a form of government, 
equal to the exigencies of the Union. Accord- 
ingly, delegates from all the States, except 
Rhode-Island, assembled at Philadelphia, in May 
1787. After four months deliberation, the fed- 
eral constitution was formed, and at different 
periods adopted by the States. On the 30th of 
April, George Washington, who had led 
the United States to Independence and glory, 
was inaugurated president, in the city of New- 
York. 

15. He was succeeded by the illustrious John 
Adams, a native of New-England, by whom 
the constitution, for the State of Massachusetts, 
was drawn up and reported to a committee. 

' . * Minot, p. 192. t It)i^' 



History of IsteW' England. 177^ 

fi: underwent some amendment, and some alter-- 
ations ; one which has since been regretted, that 
of taking from the governour the power of ap- 
pointing military officers. 

16. The constitutions of the States of Con-- 
necticut and Rhode-Island, are founded on the 
charters w^hich in 1662 and 1663, were granted 
them by Charles II. 

1 7. The federal constitution , and several State 
constitutions agree in preserving the legislative, ^ 
judiciary, and executive branches of government 
sepai'ate and distinct from each other. 

18. Religious liberty is a fundamental prin- 
ciple in the constitutions of the respective States. 
Some indeed, retain a distinction between chris- 
tians and others, with respect to their eligibility 
to office ; but the idea of raising one sect of 
protestants to a legal preeminence, is universally 
reprobated, 

19. Since the adoption of tlie federal consti- - 
tution, learning has flourished, and new literary 
institutions have been founded in New- England. 
In 1791, the legislature in the State of Vermont 
passed an act establishing an university at Bur- 
lington, on Lake Champlain, in a delightful sit- 
uation on the south side of Onion river, and 
appointed ten trustees. The sum of 6,000/. 
was secured b}^ voluntary donation ; part of 
which is to be applied to the erecting of build- 
ings, and part settled as a fund for the supp>ort of - 
the institution.* 

20. In reviewing the history of New-England 
and the late American revolution, we find the won- 
ders of divine providence rising conspicuous in*^ 

Q2 

* Morse's Geography, vol. i. p. 374 



178 History of J^eiv-England. 

every scene. At first we behold a small number 
of people, who, when oppressed by cruel perse- 
cution, preferred the sacred rights of conscience 
to all earthly enjoyments, and exchanged their 
native country for a dreary wilderness inhabited 
by savages. After struggling with complicated 
hardships they obtained secure settlements, and 
the wilderness at length was made to blossom 
like a rose, by the hand of persevering industry ; 
and hough their prosperity was sometimes cloudJ 
ed, yet their misfortunes, and even their preju- 
dices were overruled for good. Those who 
were driven from Massachusetts by the persecu- 
tion of their brethren formed new settlements; 
The colonies increased, and rose in wealth, and 
the interposing hand of heaven protected them 
under every difficulty. 

21. When the colonies were involved in the 
distressing war with Philip, they were enabled 
to subdue their savage enemies ; when they 
were deprived of their charters the sudden revo- 
lution in England relieved them from the oppres- 
sion of arbitrary power; when the united efforts 
of the French and their Indian allies were level- 
led against them, the conquering arms of Britain . 
and her colonies frustrated their attempts. 

22. When the important era, at length ar- - 
rived, in which Britain exerted her utmost 
strength to deprive her colonies of their dearly 
purchased privileges ^ and a new country under 
great disadvantages, was obliged to contend 
with that potent nation, which had recently con- 
quered the united powers of France and Spain ; 
inspired by the sacred flame of liberty, the col- 
onies triumphed over the wxll disciplined forces 



Iftstorij of New 'England. 179 

of the parent state. The striking divine inter- 
positions, in favour of America, daring the 
contest, afford an interesting subject of contem- 
plation to pious minds ; while amidst the appar- 
ently uncertain chances of war, they perceive 
with grateful admiration the controling hand of 
providence rendering every event subservient to 
the liberty and independence of the United States. 

23. After independence was obtained by the 
sword, and acknowledged by the European na- 
tions, when a spirit of anarchy threatened the 
subversion oi our recently acquired liberty, the 
interposition of providence was visible in caus- 
ing these tumults to terminate in the establish- 
ment of the federal constitution, which placed 
the privileges of the United States on a perma- 
nent foundation. 

24. Exalted from a feeble state to opulence 
and independence, the federal Americans are 
now recognized as a nation throughout the 
globe. This highly favoured people ought to 
raise their minds in fervent aspirations, that their 
fair prospects may never be reversed by a tem- 
per of disunion, or a spirit of anarchy prevail- 
ing among the people, but that genuine liberty, 
united \vith order and good government, may 
diffuse their blessings through the widely ex- 
tended union. 

25. The inhabitants of New- England in 
particular, whose ancestors were eminent for 
industry, love of order, attention to the pro- 
motion of learnings and a supreme regard for 
religion, ought to be assiduously careful to cul- 
tivate and improve those virtues for which the 
first settlers of their country were so highly 
distinguished^ 



APPENDIX. 



CHAPTER I. 

1. W HEN, and by whom was America 
discovered? Section 1, 2 

2. What gave rise to the settlement in New- 
England ? Sect. 4, 5, 6 

3' What induced our ancestors to remove 
from Holland to New- England F Sect. 9 

4. What difficulties did tliey encounter in 
conducting this enterprize ? Sect. 14, 15, 16 

5. When was the first settlement made in 
New-Plymouth ? Sect. 17 

6. What was their situation immediately af- 
ter their settlement ? Sect. 19 

7. How did they support themselves under 
the trials they encountered ? Sect. 20 

8. How did they acq? lire a title to the lands 
they possessed ? Sect. 23 

■ 9. What was their opinion respecting the 

government of their churches ? Sect. 27 

10. X-S^hat were the distinguishing traits in 

their character ? Sect. 29 

CHAPTER II. 

1. What gave rise to the settlement of Mas- 
sachusetts, and v/hen was it effected ? 

Sect. 1, 2, 6 

2. Did not the settlers suffer many hardships 
in this enterprize ? Sect. 10 

3. What induced them to deviate from the 
directions of their charter ? Sect. 11 

4. Upon what foundation did they establish 
their code of laws ? Sect, 16 



APPENDIX. 181 

5. Upon what did they establish their churches? 

Sect, la 

6. What entitles our ancestors to the esteem 

and veneration of posterity ? Sect. 21 

CHAPTER III. 

1 . Who first attempted a settlement in New- 
Hampshire, and w^hen was the settlement ef- 
fected ? 

2. By whom w^as the District of Maine set- 
tled? Sect. 5 

3. What were the religious and civil princi- 
ples of the settlers of New-Hampshire and the 
District of Maine ? Sect. 6 

4. At what time, and by whom was Con^ 
necticut settled ? Sect. 7 

5. What hardships were the settlers obliged 
to encounter ? Sect. 9 

6. In what respects did the constitution of 
Connecticut differ from that of Massachusetts ? 

Sect. 11 

7. When, and by whom was New- Haven 
settled ? Sect. 14 

8. What ^vas the original constitution of the 
government of the colony? Sect. 17 — 20 

9. In what religious sentiments were the 
New- England churches agreed ? Sect, 24^ 

CHAPTER IV. 

1. What gave rise to the settlement of Prov- 
idence in Rhode-Island ? Sect. 1 — 4 

2. By whom, and when, was tlie settlement 
effected? Sect. 5 

3. What was the foundation of its govern- 
ment ? Sect. 6 



182 APPENDIX. 

4. What gave rise to the religious clissen- 
tions in Massachusetts ? Sect. 9 

5 . What measures were taken in consequence 
of those dissentions ? Sect. 10 — 12 

6. When, and by whom was Rhode-Island 
setded? Sect. 13 

7. What was the distinguishing trait in the 
settlement of this colony ? Sect. 18 

8. When did the colony procure a patent ? 

Sect. 23 

9. What measures did the New-England 
colonies take for their mutual defence ? Sect. 24 

CHAPTER V. 

1. At what time were the colonies engaged 
• in a war with the Pequod Indians ? Sect. 3 

2. What w^as the event of this war ? 

Sect. 6, 9 

3. When was Harvard College founded ? 

Sect. 11 

4. When did the College receive the first 
charter? Sect. 14 

5. What motive induced New-Hampshire 
to submit to the jurisdiction of Massachusetts? 

Sect. 16 

6. What induced the District of Maine to 
submit to Massachusetts ? Sect. 18 

7. How many churches were there in New- 
England in 1642 ? Sect. 19 

8. What was the state of England at this 
period? Sect. 20 

CHAPTER VI. 

1. What was the state of the natives, and 
what were their religious ideas when our ances- 
tors settled New-England ? Sect, 1, 2 — 5 



APPENDIX. ^ 183 

2. What was the most prominent trait in 
their character ? Sect. 6 

3. What method was adopted to instruct 
them in the Christian reUgion? Sect. 7 — 10 

4. How did these measures succeed ? 

Sect. 1 1 
5 By whom, and when w^as the Bible trans- 
lated into the Indian language? Sect. 15 
6. How many Indian congregations were 
there in Massachusetts in 1695 ? Sect. 20 

CHAPTER VII. 

1. For whoi purpose was a S^'nod convened 
^t Cambridge in 1646? Sect. 1 

2. At what periods did the New- England 
colonies establish their codes of law ? Sect. 3 — 6 

3 . What method was taken to enforce uniform- 
ity in religion, when the Baptists withdrew from 
the established v/orship ? Sect. 6 — 9 

4. At what time did the Quakers appear in 
New-England, and in what manner were they 
treated by the government ? Sect. 10 — 14 

5. What occasioned a suspension of the 
laws which were enacted against them ? Sect. 16 

CHAPTER VIII. 

1. What measure was taken in Massachu- 
setts at the accession of Charles II ? Sect. 1 

2. What did the king require of that colo- 
ny? Sect. 2 

3. For "\v hat purpose was a Synod convened 
in Massachusetts in 1662 ? Sect. 4 — 9 

4. W^hen was Connecticut and New- Haven 
united by a charter ? Sect. 10 

5. When did Rhode-Island receive a char- 
ter, and in what respect did it differ from that 
of Connecticut? Sect. 12 



184 APPENDIX. 

6. What reception did the commissioners 
from the king meet, with in the colonies ? 

Sect. 14—17 

CHAPTER IX. 

1. When did the war with king Philip com- 
mence ? Sect. 2 

2. What gave rise to this war ? Sect. 3 

3. How was it conducted by the colonists? 

Sect. 5—9 

4. What towns were burnt by the Indians ? 

Sect. 10 

5. When, and how was Philip killed ? 

Sect. 14 

6. Wliat were the effects of the war Avith 
the Eastern Indians ? Sect. 17 

7. How long did this w^ar last, and when 
ivas it concluded ? Sect. 18 

8. On what account was a Synod called in 
Massachusetts in 1679 ? Sect. 19 

9. What was agreed upon by the Synod ? 

Sect. 20 

CHAPTER X. 

1. When was New-Hampshire separated 
from Massachusetts ? Sect. 2 

2. How was the colony governed after the 
separation? Sect. 3 — -5 

3. When was Massachusetts deprived of its 
charter ? Sect. 6 

4. What form of government was appoint >- 
ed upon the accession of Jamtes II ? Sect. 8 

5. Were not the other colonies also depriv- 
ed of their privileges ? Sect. 10 — 11 

6. How did Andros conduct the government 
of the colonies ? Sect. 9 — 12 



APPENDIX. 1&3 

7. What caused a change of government' in 
New-England ? Sect. 13, 14 

8. When was the charter of WiUiam and 
Mary granted ? Sect. 18 

9. In what respects did the new charter dif- 
fer from the old ? Sect. 19 

CHAPTER XI. 

1. What gave rise to a new Indian war? 

Sect. 1, 2 

2. What measures did the colonists take to 
repel their enemies ? Sect. 4, 5, 6 

3. When was peace concluded ? Sect. 6 

4. What was the origin of the supposed 
witchcrafts in New- England ? Sect. 8 

5. What were the effects of this delusion ? 

Sect. 9—13 
•6. What caused the public credulity to sub- 
side ? , Sect. 14 
7. Were not the European nations equally 
credulous at the same period ? Sect. 15 

CHAPTER XIL 

1. By whom were die Indians persuaded to 
renew the war ? Sect. 1 

2. What put a period to the war ? Sect, 6 

3. When, and by whom was the design of 
founding a college in Connecticut concerted ? 

Sect. 9 

4. Where was the College fixed, and from 
whom did it derive the name of Yale College ? 

Sect. 10 

5. For what purpose was a Synod convened 
in Saybrook in 1708 ? Sect. 11 

6. Why did the colony of Massachusetts re- 
fuse to fix a permanent salary on their governors 
who were appointed by the crown ? Sect l^ 



184 APPENDIX. 

7. How did the colonists succeed in their at- 
temps against the French settlements ? S. 19, 20 

8. How many churches were there in Mas- 
sachusetts in 1691 ? Sect. 22 

CHAPTER Xni. 

1. What caused the altercation wdth gover- 
nour Shute ? Sect. 3 

2. What was the result of the dispute ? S. 4 

3. By whom and when was innoculation in- 
troduced in New- England ? Sect. 5 

4. Who excited the Indians to renew hos- 
tilities, and what were the consequences? S. 6, 7 

5. When was the first settlement made in 
Vermont ? ^ Sect 10 

6. How was the dispute between the colony 
of Massachusetts and its govemours finally ad- 
justed? , , , Sect. 13 

7. What effect did this altercation produce 
on the minds of the people ? Sect. 15 

CHAPTER XIV. 

1. What measures was taken by Nev/-Hamp- 
shire to obtain a separation from Massachusetts ? 

Sect. 1 

2. Did the colony of New- Hampshire ob- 
tain a separation ? Sect. 2 

3. Who projected the enterprize against 
Louisburg ? Sect. 4 

4. How was the expedition conducted F 

Sect. 6, 8 

5. What effect was produced by the success 
of this enterprize ? Sect. 12, 13 

6. What way did the French take to be re- 
venged on the colonies after this victory? 

Sect, 14, 15 



APPENDIX. 185 

7. When was the attempt made to establish 
an American Episcopacy, and why were the 
colonies opposed to this measure ? Sect. 1 8 

CHAPTER XV. 

1. For w^hat purpose w^as a convention of 
the colonies oppointed in 1754? Sect 1 

2. What success attended the attempts against 
the French colonies in 1755 ? Sect. 2, 3 

3. What was the situation of the colonies in 
1756? Sect. 4 

4. What caused American affairs to wear a 
brighter aspect ? Sect. .5 

5. When was Louisburg, which had been 
restored to the French, again reduced by the 
colonists? Sect. 6 

6. What other conquests followed the re- 
duction of Louisbur'g ? ' ' Sect. 7, 8 

7. What difficulties attended the enterprize 
against Quebec? Sect, 9 

8. : How did general Wolfe surmount these 
difficulties ? Sect. 10, 11 

9. When was the province of Canada rediic- 
ed by Britain and the colonies ? Sect. 14 

10. When were the West- India Islands re- 
duced, and peace settled ? Sect 15 

CHAPTER XVI. 

1. When v/as the College established at 
Providence in Rhode Jsland ? Sect. 1 

2. Wh.Cii v/as IXutmouth College founded, 
and what ^vas the original design of the in- 
stitution? Sect. 2 

3. When did the British parliament pass the 
Stampt act, and what measures were taken by 
the colonies in consequence of this act ? S. 5, 6 



186 APPENDIX. 

4. When was the Stamp act repealed F 

Sect. 8 

5. What other method was taken by the Brit- 
ish padiament to tax the colonies F Sect. '9 

6. What was the consequence of a miUtary 
force being stationed in Boston .^ Sect. 10, 11 

7. What was the consequence of the attempt 
.to enforce the duty on tea? Sect. 13, 14 

8. What method did the British Parhament 
take to punish the people of Boston for oppos- 
ing its authority P Sect. 15 

9. By whom was the government of Massa- 
chusetts conducted in 1774 .^ Sect. 18 

. 10. When, and where was the continental 
congress convened, and what measures wer^ 
adopted by that body F Sect. 19 

CHAPTER XVII. 

1. When, and where did hostilities between 
Great Britain and the colonies commence P 

.Sect. 2 

2. By how large an army was Boston invest- 
ed after the battle at Lexington F Sect. 5 

3. How did the Americans succeed against 
Ticonderoga, and Crown-Point F Sect. 6 

4. When did the batde at Breed's Hill take 
place F Sect. 8 

5. How did the Americans behave in this 
action F Sect. 9, 10, H 

6. What measures were taken by the Ameri- 
cans for their defence, after the engagement F 

Sect. 14 

7. " What was the event of the expedition 
against Canada F Sect. 16, 17, 18 

8. How did the Americans succeed in the 
southern colonies? Sect. 19 



APPENDIX. 187 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

1. What caused the British army to evacu- 
ate Boston ? Sect. 1, 2 

2. When did the colonies publish their de- 
claration of Independence ? Sect. 4 

3. When Avere the Americans defeated at 
Long- Island, and how many were killed in this 
engagement? Sect. 6 

4. When was captain Hale executed for a 
spy, and how did he behave in his last moments ? 

Sect. 9, 10 

5. What \yas the situation of the Americans 
at the close of 1776 ? Sect. 12 

6. What events gave a more favourable turn 
to their affairs ? Sect. 14, 15 

7. When did the British gain possession of 
Philadelphia, and what action took place before, 
and after this event ? Sect. 17, 18 

8,, How did general Burgoyne open the 
campaign in the Northern department, and what 
success attended his first military operations ? 

Sect. 19, 20 

9. When did the Americans gain the victo- 
ry at Bennington ? Sect. 22 

10. When was general Burgoyne obliged 
to surrender his army, and what was the amount 
of his troops ? Sect. 24 

CHAPTER XIX. 

1. When did the alliance between France 
^nd America take place ? Sect. 1 

2. What effect did the union produce pn 
the British ministry ? Sect. 2 

3. What action took place after Philadelphia 
was evacuated by the British ? Sect. 4 

4. Were not the Americans unsuccessful in 
their attempt to recover Rhode-Island ? Sec. 7, 8 



188 APPENDIX. 

5. When, and by whom was Stoney- Point 
captured P Sect. 1 1 

6. ^Vhcn was the Academy of Aits and 
Sciences founded in Massachusetts P Sect. 14 

7. When did general Arnold agree to de- 
liver West- Point to the British, and who was 
the agent employed in this negociation .^ Sect. 15 

8. When was major Andre executed for a 
spy P Sect. 16 

9. What were the military movements in 
the two Carolinas P Sect. 16, 17 

10. What engagement closed the national 
war in South- Carolina P Sect. 18 

CHAPTER XX. 

1. When did lord Cornwallis and his ar- 
my remove to Virginia P Sect. 1 

2. To whom were the forces sent to oppose 
him principally intrusted P Sect. 2 

3. When, and by whom was lord Corn- 
wallis besieged in Yorktown P Sect. 5 

4. What was the amount of the army which 
surrendered P Sect. 6 

5. When was the definitive treaty of peace 
concluded P Sect. 7 

6. Whence arose the perplexities into which 
the States were involved after the peace P 

Sect. 8, 9, 10 

7' When did the insurrection take place in 

Massachusetts P Sect. 1 1 

8. What method was taken to reduce the in- 
surgents P Sect. 12, 13 

9. When was the Federal constitution estab- 
lished, and general Washington chosen Presi- 
dent P^ Sect. 14 

10. In what respect does the Fedei-al Ui^d 
State constitutions agree P Sect* 17 

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